In the glass
Aroma: white pepper, old-vine concentration, ripe pear, citrus
Palate: apple flesh, pepper spice, mineral, lemon zest
Grüner Veltliner Smaragd from old-vine St. Michael parcels by Weingut Erich Bayer; classic white pepper and concentrated pear character.
What it pairs with
-
Grilled chicken drumsticks with herb oil
The wine's pepper-herb notes and medium body are a classic Austrian match for grilled poultry. -
Pasta with cream, ham and peas
Medium body and acidity cut through the cream while herbal notes complement peas. -
Grilled Danube zander
Classic Wachau freshwater fish pairs naturally with a Grüner Veltliner Smaragd.
How to serve Grüner Veltliner Smaragd St. Michael
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 8-10°C. Cellar temperature (8-10°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a smaller all-purpose white glass; the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Grilled chicken drumsticks with herb oil, Pasta with cream, ham and peas, Grilled Danube zander. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Erich Bayer and his son Arnold farm 7 hectares in St. Michael and Weissenkirchen since the family took full control of the estate in 2005. Old-vine parcels in St. Michael are the source of their Smaragd Grüner.
- 1848 — Bayer family begins viticulture in St. Michael
- 1997 — Grüner Veltliner Smaragd St. Michael first bottled
Facts
- Producer
- Weingut Erich Bayer
- Grapes
- Grüner Veltliner
- Classification
- Wachau DAC
- Oak
- Stainless steel; no oak
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 20-32 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1997
Frequently asked about Grüner Veltliner Smaragd St. Michael
What does Grüner Veltliner Smaragd St. Michael taste like?
On the nose, white pepper, old-vine concentration, ripe pear, citrus. On the palate, apple flesh, pepper spice, mineral, lemon zest. Structurally medium-bodied, low tannins, high acidity with a clean peppery finish. Grüner Veltliner Smaragd from old-vine St. Michael parcels by Weingut Erich Bayer; classic white pepper and concentrated pear character.
When should I drink Grüner Veltliner Smaragd St. Michael?
Drink 3-12 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Grüner Veltliner Smaragd St. Michael?
Grilled chicken drumsticks with herb oil is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Pasta with cream, ham and peas and Grilled Danube zander. The wine's pepper-herb notes and medium body are a classic Austrian match for grilled poultry.
What grapes are in Grüner Veltliner Smaragd St. Michael?
The blend is Grüner Veltliner. The wine is classified as Wachau DAC.