Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Achleithen PW Wachau 0.75L

The Achleithen site in the Wachau is considered one of the great addresses for Grüner Veltliner — and Rudi Pichler is one of the winemakers who consistently demands the maximum from it. The Smaragd, the highest ripeness level of the Wachau, stands for grapes with complete physiological ripeness that come from the best parcels.

Rudi Pichler cultivates his sites in Wösendorf in the Wachau with a precision that gives the wines their unmistakable character: primary gneiss and primary rock characterize the soils of the Achleithen, steep and sun-facing. The result is a wine that clearly bears the signature of this site — mineral, dense, with an acidity structure that creates tension without appearing too edgy.

In the glass, it shows aromas of white pepper — the classic Veltliner characteristic — plus ripe quince, citrus zest, and fine herbal notes. The palate is broad and dense, the texture creamy, the finish long and marked by a fine salinity.

Serve it at 12–14 °C with Wiener Schnitzel, grilled zander with caper butter, or with strong mountain cheese from the Salzkammergut.