Grüner Veltliner Ried Schütt Smaragd 2022
DAC Wachau, Emmerich Knoll, 750 ml
| Grape variety: | Grüner Veltliner |
| Producer: | Emmerich Knoll |
| Origin: | Austria / Niederösterreich / Wachau |
Description
The small terraced site in Dürnstein on the Danube has a high stone content in the soil with a large proportion of gneiss weathering material. The valuable Ried Schütt produces the highest qualities even in difficult weather conditions and benefits from the cooling Danube air in hot summers. In the autumn of 2021, the Grüner Veltliner benefited from a particularly extensive ripening period and thus developed a dense and multi-layered palette of aromas. On the nose, the Smaragd Schütt smells of wild herbs, ripe yellow apples, pears and quinces, as well as some rhubarb and kumquat. A touch of noble smoke combines with exotic tropical fruits, which are generously repeated on the palate and combine with a lively, finely chiselled acidity. A Grüner Veltliner with impressive length, decades of development potential and the talent to accompany many different dishes superbly. James Suckling writes about this wine "Extraordinarily complex aromas that span the range from dill to papaya. Enormous depth and concentration, the interplay of herbal freshness and exotic richness spot-on. Then come the dark and light side of the force at the imposing finish. Drink or hold." 98/100
Attributes
| Origin: | Austria / Niederösterreich / Wachau |
| Grape variety: | Grüner Veltliner |
| Ripening potential: | 4 to 20 years after harvest |
| Drinking temperature: | 10 to 12 °C |
| Food Pairing: | Baked egli fillets with tartare sauce, Fish ragout with saffron sauce, Crispy roast chicken, Coquilles Saint Jacques on lentils |
| Volume: | 13.0 % |
| Note: | Contains sulphites |
Grüner Veltliner
From Austria to the world
With the Grüner Veltliner, the Austrians have conquered the world. In New York bars today, people order "a glass of Gruner" as nonchalantly as if they have never drunk anything else. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with the northern Italian region of Valtellina (Veltlin in German). It is a natural cross between Traminer and a grape Methuselah with a unique DNA profile, found in Sankt Georgen in the Leitha Mountains. As far as is known, this is the only stock of its kind. Grüner Veltliner demonstrates exceptional versatility. It yields fresh, lively whites with the typical “pfefferl” – a spicy, piquant note – as well as dense, mineral top wines. Sparkling and sweet wines are also pressed from them. In total, it occupies almost two-thirds of Austrian vineyards. It achieves its best along the Danube, around the Kamp Valley, in Kremstal or in the Wachau.
Wachau
Wachau: white crus of world renown
The Wachau is literally a spectacle for all the senses. The river landscape is extraordinarily beautiful, and its terraced vineyards were added to the inventory of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000. The wines, too, are spectacularly good. Grüner Veltliner and Riesling are in friendly competition for being the most high-quality white wines in Austria. In their own way, each variety yields unique crus that combine power and finesse in playful lightness.
Niederösterreich
Lower Austria: crus near and far from the Danube
Austria's largest state is also its largest wine region. 46,000 hectares are planted with vines in Lower Austria. It is a heterogenic wine region, consisting of eight wine growing areas. While white varieties like Grüner Veltliner and Riesling dominate in the areas north and west of Vienna, red varieties set the tone in the south and in the southeast (Thermenregion and Carnuntum). The internationally famous white crus from Grüner Veltliner and Riesling develop in the picturesque Wachau and Kamptal.
Austria
Austria – Sumptuous culture, accessible to all
Austria is characterized by unbelievable topographical diversity. A flat steppe in the east, forests and hills in the Alpine regions, wetlands and Mediterranean landscapes in the south. This in addition to a rich tradition and even greater love. It’s no surprise that the Romans found joy on this patch of Earth and cultivated wine growing. Austrian wine is not abundant, but it is high quality.
