2012 Franz Hirtzberger Riesling Singerriedel Smaragd

Franz Hirtzberger

Austria / Wachau / Franz Hirtzberger

One of the best vineyards in the Wachau valley, the Singerriedel rises steeply right behind Weingut Hirtzberger. We pay a very special attention to Singerriedel, and have beeen rebuilding the stone terraces here already for 20 years. The reason for our great efforts is the extreme minerality of the soil, comprising gneiss, mica, schist and other primary rocks. This unique terroir provides us with the foundation for our greatest Riesling Smaragd.

David Schildknecht

Wine Advocate

94 points

The Hirtzberger 2012 Riesling Smaragd Singerriedel features almond and pistachio extracts along with peach kernel in a penetrating, high-toned nose, anticipating the piquant richness conveyed to nut oils and white peach on an expansive, subtly oily but persistently juicy palate. There is a crescendo of flavors here through the finish that is almost breathtaking. At the same time, the impression remains seamless and polished. Although I tend toward partisanship toward Hochrain vis-a-vis Singerriedel (particularly as the two mature in bottle), in this instance the Hochrain - fine though it is - comes off as ever so slightly rustic alongside the Singerriedel. Plan to follow the latter through 2020.

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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.