Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Rotes Tor Gruner Veltliner Federspiel 2024

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Located in Lower Austria in the Wachau wine region, and more precisely in the village of Spitz, Franz Hirtzberger is a family-run winery with a winemaking tradition that counts 5 generations. The estate vineyards are located in the beautiful valley between the mountains and the Danube, where the vines enjoy soil and climate conditions particularly favorable to the cultivation of Gruner Veltliner. The name of the wine refers to the proximity of the vineyards to the Red Gate, part of the walls of the old city, so called because it was stained with blood during the Swedish wars. Here the vines plant their roots on a stony soil made of gneiss, mica, and slate. The grapes are selected and harvested manually. After fermentation at a controlled temperature in stainless steel, the wine rests on its lees. Rotes Tor Gruner Veltliner Federspiel has a bright yellow-green color and silvery reflections. On the nose it has a rich and complex aromatic profile with notes of tropical fruit such as mango and pineapple, and then citrus peel and some light herbaceous hints. On the palate, it is juicy, fruity, and fresh with a sharp acidity, perfectly integrated, and a pleasant mineral vein. It is elegant and complex with a long and refreshing finish. Try it with asparagus au gratin, artichoke quiche, or shrimp cocktail.

Price: £33.72 from 8wines UK