Rudi Pichler Riesling Terrassen Smaragd

Riesling Terrassen Smaragd bottle image

Wine Description

Rudi Pichler is among the elite growers of the Wachau producing wines of precision, power, and longevity. Grüner Veltliner and Riesling make up 95% of the production with the remaining 5% shared between Weißburgunder and Roter Veltliner. Rudi Pichler belongs to the prestigious Vinea Wachau and vinifies under the strict parameters of their codex.

Yields are kept low between 30 and 35 hectoliters per hectare with botrytis carefully removed by hand.  Grapes are crushed by foot and receive between three and 36 hours of maceration on the skins. Vinification is entirely in stainless-steel tanks and malolactic fermentation is avoided.

Weingut Rudi Pichler consists of 37 acres spread between Wösendorf, Joching, and Weißenkirchen where south-facing terraces look down at the Danube River. Terrassen indicates it is a cuvée from multiple terraced sites. Smaragd is a term used by Vinea Wachau members indicating a dry wine with a minimum alcohol of 12.5%.

Rudi Pichler Winery
Rudi Pichler Vineyards
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Acclaim
I love the vibrant pink grapefruit and white peach aromas and the very zesty acidity that drive this medium-bodied dry riesling so briskly across your palate. So much life and energy in the bold and vibrant finish. — James Suckling, Nov 2024
“The 2023 Riesling Terrassen Smaragd is from vines that are around 60 years old, grown on elevated, stony terraces across the estate. There is still a touch of reduction; underneath that is fine citrus. The palate is bright, stony and almost breezy, but with wonderful concentration and drive. The finish delves into zest and leaves a long trail of freshness. Lovely. (Bone-dry)” — Vinous, Jul 2024
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Vineyard & Production Info
Soil composition
Primary rock, Gneiss, Slate
Training method
Cane-pruned
Elevation:
726-1,188 feet
Vines/acre:
1,800
Exposure:
Southern / Southwestern
Year vineyard planted:
1970-1990
Bottles produced of this wine:
3,000
Average Vine Age:
12-40 years
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Winemaking & Aging
Prefermentation Technique:
Cold soak
Time on its skins:
12 hours
Varietal composition:
100% Riesling
Fermentation container:
Stainless steel tanks
Malolactic fermentation:
no
Type of aging container:
Stainless steel tanks
Size of aging container:
1000-5000L
Length of aging before bottling:
7 months
Length of bottle aging:
1 month
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Analytical Data
Acidity:
5.8 g/L
Alcohol:
13.5 %
Residual sugar:
1.7 g/L