2022 Domäne Wachau Grüner Veltliner ‘Achleiten’ Smaragd

Achleiten is a legendary vineyard in the Wachau village of Weissenkirchen. It is famous for wines with inimitable mineral character. Dry stone walls dating back to the 12^th century. The silicate-rich soil dominates this vineyard’s landscape. On the upper terraces, gneiss is the prevailing subsoil, the lower terraces are dominated by dark, schistous amphibolites.

Due to the shallow soils of the Achleiten vineyard, the cultivation of Grüner Veltliner is characterized by reduced yields. The Veltliner grapes for this Smaragd wine are picked in several passages and according to strict selection criteria. After a few hours of maceration on skins, the grapes are gently pressed. After fermentation (partly spontaneous) in stainless steel tanks, the wine is aged in large wooden casks for a few months. Ageing on the fine lees provides precise nuances and additional depth.

Ried Achleiten is known for wines with great uniqueness. A smoky minerality, subtle flinty notes and a very complex structure are typical for Achleiten wines. Grüner Veltliner from this vineyard has a particularly fine herbal spice, as well as delicate stone fruit notes and some exotic aromas. The gneiss soil of the Achleiten supports the firm acidity enormously. The term Smaragd stands for dry, dense, and complex wines of Wachau. Apart from structure and depth, Smaragd wines also convince with great storage potential. Well chilled, the wine goes great with classics of Austrian cuisine such as boiled beef with apple-horseradish and chive sauce or a veal rump. Grüner Veltliner Smaragd harmonizes particularly well with tasty dishes of Asian cuisine, such as Thai Som Tam (spicy papaya salad). Charming in its youth, after 3-5 years at the first peak, the Grüner Veltliner from Achleiten can also mature for 15 or more years. – Domane Wachau

Crushed stones, lemongrass, Amalfi lemon and white pepper aromas to this striking clear and fresh Smaragd gruner. Full-bodied but not at all heavy, with sleek mineral and zesty layers and a long, precise finish. Drink or hold. 93 points. Peter Moser, JamesSuckling.com Oct 2023