Gruner Veltliner “RotesTor” Smaragd 2016

Austrian winery Weingut Franz Hirtzberger produces white wines from the Grüner Veltliner and Riesling grapes grown in the Wachau region. The winery is renowned for its top-tier Smaragd wines, including Honivogl Grüner Veltliner and Singerriedel Riesling, which are considered some of the finest Austrian Rieslings. The winery is located in Spiez, in the far western part of the region. The development of grapes is influenced by cold winds from the mountains in the north. The grapes are grown here on 15 hectares, which are equally divided between Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, as well as small quantities of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. The Singerriedel vineyard is the most important site and is located on a steep southeast slope. The Hirtzberger Wine House occupies an imposing 13th century building. The owner Franz Hirzberger, who took over in 1983, lives here with his family.

Grüner Veltliner wines are well textured, but very refreshing and crispy, focused on minerality and citrus character. With time they soften and take in honeyed, candied fruit-like flavors that match their deep golden hue.

This is the story of how one of the most exciting wine regions in Austria came into being. For millions of years, the Danube River has carved its serpentine path through solid soils, and today the rocky terraces provide places for growing grapes. Two grape varieties are mainly cultivated in this region: Riesling and Grüner Veltliner.