Rudi Pichler

Riesling Ried Hochrain Smaragd

Rudi Pichler

Riesling Ried Hochrain Smaragd

Documented as early as 1050, the site in Wösendorf, at the foot of the Hochrain, is influenced by the sediment and stone soils of its highly situated vineyards, producing wines with a dense mineral texture and fine fruity flavors. Smaragd is the Wachau designation for dry late harvest wines, above 12.5% alcohol through natural fermentation.  The best smaragd wines can age well for decades. 

Tasting Notes

Light golden yellow with aromas of dried apricots, beeswax, Meyer lemon and hints of spice. On the palate, the wine has dense mineral texture, fine fruit flavors, and good acidity, all contributing to a long and savory finish.

Food Pairing

Pair with drunken chicken, honey-soy roasted pork, or Gruyere soufflé. 

Documented as early as 1050, the site in Wösendorf, at the foot of the Hochrain, is influenced by the sediment and stone soils of its highly situated vineyards, producing wines with a dense mineral texture and fine fruity flavors. Smaragd is the Wachau designation for dry late harvest wines, above 12.5% alcohol through natural fermentation.  The best smaragd wines can age well for decades. 

Tasting Notes

Light golden yellow with aromas of dried apricots, beeswax, Meyer lemon and hints of spice. On the palate, the wine has dense mineral texture, fine fruit flavors, and good acidity, all contributing to a long and savory finish.

Food Pairing

Pair with drunken chicken, honey-soy roasted pork, or Gruyere soufflé. 

Vineyard & Production Info

Vineyard name:
Hochrain
Soil composition:
Gneiss, Rocky, and Sand
Training method:
Cane-pruned
Elevation:
726-1,188 feet
Vines/acre:
1.8
Yield/acre:
1.2-2.16 tons
Exposure:
Southern / Southwestern
Harvest time:
October-November

Winemaking & Aging

Varietal composition:
100% Riesling
Fermentation container:
Stainless steel tanks
Length of alcoholic fermentation:
14 days
Fermentation temperature:
64-72 °F
Type of aging container:
Stainless steel tanks
Size of aging container:
1000-5000 L
Length of aging before bottling:
7 months
Length of bottle aging:
1 month

Analytical Data

Acidity:
5.9 g/L
Alcohol:
14 %
Residual sugar:
1.2 g/L