Gruner Veltliner Honivogl Smaragd Wachau Franz Hirtzberger 2019

Description

Weingut Hirtzberger is owned and managed by one of the best and most well-known producers in the Wachau valley, Franz Hirtzberger. Franz and his family took control of this estate, which is one of the oldest in the region and is situated in Spitz, from his father in 1983. He has always been a perfectionist, a fact which is reflected in his top-quality wines that have been awarded numerous awards. The vineyards at Weingut Hirtzberger are planted with 45% Gruner Veltliner, 40% Riesling and small quantities of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay account for the balance. All the wines are fermented in stainless steel and aged in classic 30-50 hectolitre wooden barrels. Just behind the 13th century house is the `Singerriedel' vineyard site, located on steep slopes facing south-southeast, which produces one of Austria's most celebrated Rieslings. `Honivogl' is Hirtzberger's most important Grüner Veltliner vineyard and is grown on primary rock at the foot of `Singerriedel'.

The 2019 Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Honivogl is deep, refined and complex on the generous but precise and refined nose that is beautifully flinty but also generous in its fruit expression. A perfect liaison of terroir and grape variety even in a disastrous vintage (in terms of quantity). This was sourced from the bottom of the steep grands crus and from the ripest grapes (picked in early and late November). On the palate, this is a very elegant, refined and persistently salty Honivogl with enormous richness combined with finesse and crystallinity. A gorgeously elegant and refined Veltliner with great terroir expression. Adorable. 14% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in June 2021. 98pts. Stephan Reinhardt, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate