FX Pichler - Riesling Smaragd Loibner Loibenberg 2015

FX Pichler - Riesling Smaragd Loibner Loibenberg 2015 (90 TSW)

On Christmas eve we started with this lovely wine from Austria ???????? Wachau region. Merry Xmas to everyone.

When Franz Xaver, as the fourth generation of the family winery Pichler, took over the winery from his father, the total vineyard ownership was about three hectares. The winery has now grown to 20 hectares and the vineyards are planted with 50% Grüner Veltliner, 48% Riesling and 2% Sauvignon Blanc. Franz Xaver (FX for short) now runs the winery together with his son Lucas and daughter-in-law Johanna.

Franz Pichler senior succeeded as early as 1928 in selecting an old grüner veltliner clone with small grapes, which ensures a higher must weight and more extract. This clone is still planted in the vineyards. Most vineyards are on the best slopes in Dürnstein and Loiben: Dürnsteiner Kellerberg, Loibner Loibenberg and Loibner Steinertal. These steep terraced vineyards have their origins in the 13th century and are still worked by hand.

Authenticity is the credo of the Pichler family. She wants to make wines that are a reflection of the vintage, the soil and the unique microclimate of the Wachau. Pichler strives for a lot of individuality in his wines.

About the wine:

The very steep terraces of the Loibenberg are located on the south and southeast. Here you will find a very poor soil with partly deeply weathered gneiss.
Manual harvest and fermented and aged in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Aged in large wooden barrels of 30-40 years old.

My tasting notes:

In the glass a bright golden yellow color.
On the medium(+) nose aromas of peach, yellow apple and petrol with hints of pear, jasmine, pineapple and honey.
On the palate dry, medium bodied with medium acidity and nice freshness. Round, balanced with nice complexity. Flavours of tropical fruits, wax, petrol with a medium length finish and a little fizzle on the tongue.