Rudi Pichler Riesling Ried Achleiten Smaragd

Riesling Ried Achleithen 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.

Achleithen, from “ach” meaning water path and “leiten” referring to the slope, is a terraced vineyard in Weißenkirchen sitting between 200 and 400 meters of elevation. Rudi Pichler’s parcel lies in the small section of Achleithen that faces west where weathered Gföler Gneiss dominates the upper terraces. Achleithen is one of the most famous vineyards in the Wachau and gives wines that are distinctly mineral.

Rudi Pichler Winery
Rudi Pichler Vineyards
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Acclaim
“This dry riesling from the legendary Achleithen site doesn’t wear its greatness on its sleeve, so you need patience if you want to drink it young. When you aerate it enough, it opens enormously, developing aromas like fresh peanuts, tarragon and shiso leaf. Amazing concentration and finesse on the midpalate. Then comes the best part: its multidimensional and extraordinarily precise finish. Just 20 hectoliters per hectare.” — James Suckling, Nov 2024
“The 2013 Riesling Achleiten Smaragd, served from magnum, was just shown for comparison. What an incredible citrus spectacular! Pure, most delirious citrus transfixes the senses. Potentiated pink grapefruit, bergamot, Seville and blood orange merge into each other to dazzle. This is bone-dry; there is no fat at all, just flavor. The exquisite texture is still stony, still taut, but it melts into a tender creaminess. Fragrance, intensity, absolute purity. (Bone-dry)” — Vinous, Jul 2024
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Vineyard & Production Info
Vineyard name
Ried Achleithen
Vineyard size
55 acres
Soil composition
Gneiss and Rocky
Training method
Cane-pruned
Elevation:
726-1,188 feet
Vines/acre:
1,800
Exposure:
Southwestern
Bottles produced of this wine:
2,000
Average Vine Age:
40+ years
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Winemaking & Aging
Prefermentation Technique:
Cold soak
Time on its skins:
18 hours
Varietal composition:
100% Riesling
Fermentation container:
Stainless steel tanks
Malolactic fermentation:
no
Fining agent:
Vegan
Type of aging container:
Stainless steel tanks
Length of aging before bottling:
7 months
Length of bottle aging:
1 month
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Analytical Data
Acidity:
5.3 g/L
Alcohol:
13.5 %
Residual sugar:
2.1 g/L