Riesling Smaragd 'Loibenberg' Tegernseerhof 2018

Tegernseerhof, Dürnstein, Wachau

“This producer pulls no punches.” Jancis Robinson, Purple Pages of JancisRobinson.com February 2006

With 25 hectares of vineyards located on the finest slopes of the picturesque Wachau region in Austria, formed by the meandering Danube River, Tegernseerhof has a history that dates back over 1,000 years. Today the estate is owned and run by Martin Mittelbach, whose family have been at the helm for 5 generations. Inspired by ancient winemaking traditions, Martin is passionate about producing the finest expressions of vineyard and grape variety; whether Grüner Veltliner or Riesling, each wine has its own unique personality. Tegernseerhof is a member of the Vinea Wachau association. Founded in 1983, the Vinea Wachau wineries only produce wines from their own growing areas, as defined by law. Vinea Wachau oversees quality: there can be no compromises and members are bound by their own code. The resulting outstanding quality accounts for the success of Vinea Wachau wineries and their wines regularly win national and international prizes. Martin handles his fruit gently and conscientiously, while focusing on precision of expression. Protective juice handling and reductive fermentation are practiced to promote the best primary fruit extraction. Juice clarification lasts two days, followed by a cool fermentation of clear must at 16-18°C (Smaragd ferments at a slightly warmer temperature). Wines are aged on fine lees. Minimal manipulation is the practice here in order to allow the wines their maximum potential for natural development.

Wonderfully zesty notes of ripe bergamot shimmer on the aromatic nose of ripe apricots. The palate is generous and concentrated, presenting fruity, juicy generosity, anchored in a central core of zestiness. This is streamlined but rich, linear but smooth, releasing wave upon wave of ripe, pure, aromatic fruit.

Grape: 100% Riesling