Today we journey to Austria and share one of the top producers in the Wachau region. Rudi Pichler primarily crafts Gruner Veltliner and Riesling under low yielding vineyards. All grapes are hand harvested and each wine is aged in stainless steel tanks as none of the wines undergo malolactic fermentation. The Rudi Pichler estate is a marvelously scenic spot that dates back to 1731 and is currently planted to mainly Grüner Veltliner (65%) and Riesling (30%), with the remaining 5% shared by Weissburgunder and Roter Veltliner The vines are set on loess soils which was deposed in the region from the most recent ice age, from 110,000–14,000 years ago. River sediments form the Danube River are sprinkled throughout the vineyard.
I have been enchanted by these wines for many years and particularly the combination of fitness and texture that they are able to impart. For those who have never tried Rudi Pichler wines, it is a must-visit. A wonderful lineup across the board, look to the 2018 Rudi Pichler ‘RIed Hochrain Smaragd’ Riesling (WWB, 94) which is dense, seamless and impossible to resist in its youth. Just as good was the 2018 Rudi Pichler ‘Ried Achleithen Smaragd’ Riesling (WWB, 94) which has gorgeous aromatics and great terroir with a silky elegance. Learn more about these sensational wines at https://www.rudipichler.at/en/ Here are the gorgeous new releases by Rudi Pichler.
2018 Rudi Pichler ‘Terrassen Smaragd’ Gruner Veltliner- The 2018 ‘Terrassen Smaragd’ was sourced from a low-yielding site set on granite and slate with vines averaging 22-40 years of age. Aromatically the petrol notes entice, alongside shades of white flowers and bright Bosc pear that all take shape in the glass. The palate has good weight and freshness with lighter orchard fruit flavors, with petrol and damp stone accents playing second fiddle. Enjoy this beautiful Gruner Veltliner over the next ten plus years. Drink 2020-2029- 92
2018 Rudi Pichler ‘Ried Hochrain Smaragd’ Riesling- The ‘Ried Hochrain Smaragd’ Riesling is a spectacular effort by Rudi Pichler. The aromatic range is quite dramatic to brandy soaked peach to wet stone and shades of apricot with petrol accents that all mingle together in the glass. The freshness and verve of the wine is quite remarkable, as this seamless wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Even better is the near minute long finish. One thing is certain — this beautiful Riesling will be exceedingly long-lived. Drink 2020-2040- 94
2018 Rudi Pichler ‘Ried Hochrain Smaragd’ Gruner Veltliner- The ‘Ried Hochrain Smaragd’ Gruner Veltliner is an exceptonal release by Pichler. Once on the nose this takes on bright green apple tones with lemon zest, kumqat and shades of wet stone and nectarine that all sing in harmony together. The palate has serious viscosity and weight, with a gorgeous mouthfeel and texture that continues to impress. Bright orange zest and melon tones combine with the wet stony terroir and suggestions of candied ginger that meld together effortlessly. Gorgeous in its youth, this beautiful wine will evolve well for the next two decades. Drink 2020-2040- 93
2018 Rudi Pichler ‘Ried Achleithen Smaragd’ Riesling- The ‘Ried Achleithen Smaragd’ Riesling is a spectacular old-vine Riesling from this storied estate first founded in 1904. The wine was aged in stainless steel tanks for eight months and then another month in the bottle before release. Once on the nose the perfumed aromatics catch you off guard, showing formidable range from orange blossom to wet stone and green apple tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate has intense minerality and weight, with a silky mouthfeel. Showing marvelously right now, the 2018 ‘Ried Achleithen Smaragd’ Riesling will have a very long life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2045- 94