What it pairs with
-
Zander fillet with parsley root
The wine's crisp acidity and herbal notes complement delicate freshwater fish. -
Asparagus with hollandaise
Classic Wachau pairing; the wine's acidity balances the richness of the sauce. -
Soft goat's cheese on rye
The citrus and mineral notes cut through the cream cheese richness.
How to serve Riesling Smaragd Hochrain
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. Zander fillet with parsley root, Asparagus with hollandaise, Soft goat's cheese on rye. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Hochrain is a terrace site above Spitz producing Riesling with slightly more accessible character than the Singerriedel, first bottled as a separate cuvee in the late 1980s.
- 1988 — Hochrain first bottled as a separate Smaragd Riesling by Franz Hirtzberger
Facts
- Producer
- Weingut Franz Hirtzberger
- Grapes
- Riesling
- Classification
- Wachau DAC
- Oak
- Stainless steel fermentation and ageing; no oak
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 45-65 at retail
- Drinking window
- 4-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1988
Frequently asked about Riesling Smaragd Hochrain
When should I drink Riesling Smaragd Hochrain?
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 Hochrain?
Zander fillet with parsley root is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Asparagus with hollandaise and Soft goat's cheese on rye. The wine's crisp acidity and herbal notes complement delicate freshwater fish.
What grapes are in Riesling Smaragd Hochrain?
The blend is Riesling. The wine is classified as Wachau DAC.