What it pairs with
-
Roast chicken with root vegetables
Medium body and herbal-pepper character suit a classic roast chicken. -
Pan-fried carp
Classic Austrian freshwater fish pairing with a medium-bodied Grüner. -
Asparagus risotto
Herbal notes and medium body balance the starchy richness of risotto.
How to serve Grüner Veltliner Smaragd
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. Roast chicken with root vegetables, Pan-fried carp, Asparagus risotto. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Herbert Högl farms a small estate at the Vogelleithen hamlet above Spitz, one of the least-visited spots in the Wachau. The high-altitude position gives the wines a distinctive freshness.
- 1960 — Högl family begins estate production at Vogelleithen
- 2002 — Grüner Veltliner Smaragd first bottled under the current label
Facts
- Producer
- Herbert Högl Vogelleithen
- Grapes
- Grüner Veltliner
- Classification
- Wachau DAC
- Oak
- Stainless steel; no oak
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 22-35 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2002
Frequently asked about Grüner Veltliner Smaragd
When should I drink Grüner Veltliner Smaragd?
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?
Roast chicken with root vegetables is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Pan-fried carp and Asparagus risotto. Medium body and herbal-pepper character suit a classic roast chicken.
What grapes are in Grüner Veltliner Smaragd?
The blend is Grüner Veltliner. The wine is classified as Wachau DAC.