Nikolaihof Grüner Veltliner Im Weingebirge Smaragd Bio 2019 white

Nikolaihof Grüner Veltliner Im Weingebirge Smaragd 2014 is a beautifully mature expression of Wachau Grüner from one of Austria’s most revered estates. Sourced from the distinguished single site “Im Weingebirge,” this Smaragd bottling combines depth, elegance and the kind of quiet complexity that only time in bottle can create. It’s a serious yet utterly drinkable white for those who appreciate nuanced, terroir-driven wines.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2014 Im Weingebirge Smaragd shows a deep straw to light golden hue, reflecting both concentration and bottle age. The nose is refined and layered, with aromas of ripe yellow apple, quince and pear mingling with white pepper, dried herbs, chamomile, subtle honeycomb and a gentle smokiness from the paragneiss soils. On the palate, this Grüner Veltliner is full-bodied yet beautifully poised, with a firm mineral backbone and a silky, almost waxy texture. Flavours of stone fruit, citrus zest and ripe orchard fruit are lifted by notes of crushed rock, fennel seed and a touch of savory spice. The acidity is still vibrant, giving the wine remarkable freshness despite its richness. At this stage, it is drinking wonderfully, but top Smaragd wines like this have the structure to evolve further over the next 5–8 years, gaining even more complexity and tertiary nuances.

Production
The grapes for this wine come from the historic single vineyard “Im Weingebirge,” a six-hectare parcel within the larger Ried Alte Point, bordering the renowned Strudel and Süßenberg sites above Mautern in the Wachau. The vines grow on slopes rising from about 206 to 225 meters, rooted in paragneiss subsoil that occasionally breaks through to the surface, topped by loess and clay, giving both minerality and generous texture to the wine. At Nikolaihof, viticulture is strictly biodynamic, with careful manual work in the vineyard and low yields to ensure concentration. Harvest is carried out by hand at Smaragd ripeness, followed by gentle pressing and a slow, natural fermentation—typically with indigenous yeasts—in large old neutral casks. Extended aging on the lees and patient élevage in the cellar allow the wine to develop its signature depth and complexity without the imprint of new oak.

Food & Serving
This is a versatile yet gastronomic Grüner Veltliner that shines with refined cuisine. Pair it with dishes such as roasted veal or pork, Wiener Schnitzel, grilled river fish, scallops, or classic Austrian dishes with cream-based sauces. It also works beautifully with asparagus, artichokes, and vegetable-driven plates, as well as soft cheeses and washed-rind cheeses. Serve at 10–12°C to highlight its balance of richness and freshness. For maximum expression, especially given the wine’s age and structure, decant for 30–60 minutes before serving to let the aromas fully open.

Producer
Weingut Nikolaihof Wachau is one of the oldest wine estates in Austria—and indeed in Europe—with roots that trace back to Roman times and a documented history spanning over a thousand years. Located in Mautern on the Danube, the estate is a benchmark for Wachau wines and a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture, having worked according to these principles long before they became widely known. Nikolaihof is renowned for its long-lived, uncompromisingly authentic expressions of Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, often aged for extended periods in large old casks in their ancient cellars. Their wines, including the celebrated Im Weingebirge Smaragd, are highly regarded by sommeliers and collectors worldwide for their purity, finesse and ability to reflect the Wachau’s unique terroir.

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