About Franz Hirtzberger
About

2015 Franz Hirtzberger Grüner Veltliner Kirchweg Smaragd
Franz Hirtzberger
Franz Hirtzberger's foremost aim is to produce a wine of character and utmost purity. The estate has refined its practices over many years, while applying essentially the same tried and tested methods of previous generations. The utmost goal is to produce wines which are true to their origins; which reflect unique Wachau "terroir"; the individual characteristics of each vineyard and the particular conditions of each different vintage.
February, 2017
Vinous Media
94 points
Picked near the end of October, this smells of ripe apricot and white peach that could come from a Riesling, but accompanied by snap pea and cress. These elements complement one another delightfully on a silken-textured palate that exhibits unexpected lift for a relatively late-picked Smaragd. The richly-sustained finish lends a hint of caramel to the luscious pit fruits, yet there is a striking sense of vibrancy as well as of transparency to stony, crystalline, and iodine-like mineral notes. Crunchy, nippy snap pea and cress rise to the task of invigoration, while a suggestion of shrimp-shell reduction serves to stimulate the salivary glands and encourage, indeed practically compel, the next sip. As Irmgard Hirtzberger points out, since the family’s first wine from these vines was a 2010 (and the 2014 fruit was blended into that vintage’s Rotes Tor Federspiel), assessments of ageworthiness must be considered tentative. "But given our track record with Grüner Veltliner Smaragd in general," she added, "I'd say it’s a good bet that this will handle 15 years in bottle with no problem."
November, 2017
Wine Spectator
92 points
Slightly creamy in texture, this white features a beautiful palate, with expressive nectarine and lentil flavors. The finish is rich in marzipan accents and savory herbal and mineral undertones. Drink now through 2025.
Standard Bottle Out of Stock
About Franz Hirtzberger
About