In the glass
Aroma: lime zest, white peach, granite dust, white flower
Palate: citrus pith, stone mineral, nectarine, herbal spice
Riesling Smaragd from the Spitzer Punkt site on gneiss and granite soils; granitic minerality, racy citrus acidity and stone-fruit depth.
What it pairs with
-
Grilled Danube perch with lemon butter
The wine's racy acidity and granitic mineral core are a classic complement to freshwater fish. -
Crab cakes with herb aioli
Mineral depth and citrus freshness cut through the richness of crab and aioli. -
Aged Emmental
The stony mineral character and citrus notes balance the nutty cheese.
How to serve Riesling Smaragd Spitzer Punkt
Allow 35 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 30 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 10-12°C. Cellar temperature (10-12°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a medium-sized white-wine glass; the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Grilled Danube perch with lemon butter, Crab cakes with herb aioli, Aged Emmental. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
The Spitzer Punkt is a prime site at the tip of a Spitz hillside on gneiss-granite bedrock. Johann Donabaum took over the estate from his parents in 1996 and developed the Spitzer Punkt as the estate's flagship Riesling.
- 1996 — Johann Donabaum junior takes over the estate
- 1998 — Spitzer Punkt Riesling Smaragd first separately bottled
Facts
- Producer
- Weingut Johann Donabaum
- Grapes
- Riesling
- Classification
- Wachau DAC
- Oak
- Stainless steel; no oak
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 30-48 at retail
- Drinking window
- 4-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1998
Frequently asked about Riesling Smaragd Spitzer Punkt
What does Riesling Smaragd Spitzer Punkt taste like?
On the nose, lime zest, white peach, granite dust, white flower. On the palate, citrus pith, stone mineral, nectarine, herbal spice. Structurally full-bodied, low tannins, racy acidity with a long granitic mineral finish. Riesling Smaragd from the Spitzer Punkt site on gneiss and granite soils; granitic minerality, racy citrus acidity and stone-fruit depth.
When should I drink Riesling Smaragd Spitzer Punkt?
Drink 4-15 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Riesling Smaragd Spitzer Punkt?
Grilled Danube perch with lemon butter is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Crab cakes with herb aioli and Aged Emmental. The wine's racy acidity and granitic mineral core are a classic complement to freshwater fish.
What grapes are in Riesling Smaragd Spitzer Punkt?
The blend is Riesling. The wine is classified as Wachau DAC.