F.X. Pichler Loibner Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd 2016

Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. Serve chilled.

The Pichler family have been farming in Austria’s Wachau wine region for five generations, although it was only in 1971 that Franz Xaver built the current family winery. Today it’s his son, Lucas, who’s in charge of making their brilliant, terroir-focused wines using traditional local winemaking methods. Some 70% of their wines are labelled as “Smaragd”, a term applied only to the top quality wines of the region.

The Loibenberg is actually one of the Wachau’s largest single vineyards and offers exceptional conditions for producing premium Riesling wines like this delicious cuvee. The vines are planted on steep rocky soils with a southerly exposure, helping to produce opulent, ripe grapes balanced by freshness and aromatics thanks to the long growing season.

Seductive hints of ripe peach, apricot, and zingy lime immediately burst out of the glass, followed by an intense hit of mouthwatering freshness on the palate. It’s partially fermented in old Austrian oak casks and aged on the lees for 8 months which helps add a richer, smoother texture and hints of fresh pastries and cream on the pure, clean finish. Enjoy as an elegant aperitif or a partner for everything from sushi and fresh seafood to spicy Asian dishes and creamy cheeses.