2017 Franz Hirtzberger Grüner Veltliner Kirchweg Smaragd

Franz Hirtzberger

Austria / Wachau / 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. This wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks, then aged in neutral oak barrels. Alcohol 13.5%, Residual Sugar 1.2g/L, Acidity 4.9g/L.

October, 2018

Stuart Pigott

jamessuckling.com

93 points

Generous and fleshy, but with just a hint of creaminess, this is a very attractive, medium-to full-bodied Grüner Veltliner. Long, silky finish that has real finesse. Drink or hold.

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About Franz Hirtzberger

The Hirtzberger family purchased its first vineyards in the village of Spitz in the late 1800s. The winery is situated at the western end of the Wachau - the part that's coolest and closest to the mountains. The terraced Singerriedel vineyard has brought the family near legendary status for its Riesling, while the Honivogl has done the same with Grüner Veltliner. Such sites, allied to an approach that’s simple in the extreme, lend the wines an often astonishing transparency and complexity.

About

"In every walk of life the best results are obtained as a result of care," says Franz Hirtzberger, adding, "this is especially true when it comes to the vine." He and his son, also Franz, now share responsibilities in the vineyard and the cellar in order to give the vine and its fruit all the time and attention possible in their quest for great wine. Wines are fermented in stainless steel and then aged in old oak barrels and sit stylistically somewhat apart from the rest. Spicy, exotic and perfectly poised, they nevertheless combine the opulence of FX Pichler with Prager’s racy purity.