In the glass
Aroma: lime zest, green herbs, slate mineral, apple
Palate: citrus peel, white peach, mineral slate, herb spice
Riesling Smaragd from the Spitzer Graben valley by the Högl family; the cooler side-valley terroir imparts a distinctive herbal-mineral intensity and racy acidity.
What it pairs with
-
Smoked trout with herb cream
The herbal-mineral Riesling echoes the smoky herb elements while acidity lifts the cream. -
Grilled mountain char
Cool-climate Riesling from the Spitzer Graben is a natural pair for delicate mountain fish. -
Herb-marinated grilled vegetables
The herbal mineral notes in the wine complement charred herb vegetables.
How to serve Riesling Smaragd Spitzer Graben
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. Smoked trout with herb cream, Grilled mountain char, Herb-marinated grilled vegetables. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
The Spitzer Graben is the valley extending west from Spitz toward the Waldviertel plateau. The Högl family's estate at Vießling overlooks this side-valley; the Riesling from the Spitzer Graben sites first bottled in 1993.
- 1993 — Spitzer Graben Riesling Smaragd first bottled by Högl
Facts
- Producer
- Weingut Josef & Georg Högl
- Grapes
- Riesling
- Classification
- Wachau DAC
- Oak
- Stainless steel; no oak
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 30-46 at retail
- Drinking window
- 4-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1993
Frequently asked about Riesling Smaragd Spitzer Graben
What does Riesling Smaragd Spitzer Graben taste like?
On the nose, lime zest, green herbs, slate mineral, apple. On the palate, citrus peel, white peach, mineral slate, herb spice. Structurally medium-bodied, low tannins, racy acidity with a long mineral and herbal finish. Riesling Smaragd from the Spitzer Graben valley by the Högl family; the cooler side-valley terroir imparts a distinctive herbal-mineral intensity and racy acidity.
When should I drink Riesling Smaragd Spitzer Graben?
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 Graben?
Smoked trout with herb cream is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Grilled mountain char and Herb-marinated grilled vegetables. The herbal-mineral Riesling echoes the smoky herb elements while acidity lifts the cream.
What grapes are in Riesling Smaragd Spitzer Graben?
The blend is Riesling. The wine is classified as Wachau DAC.