Franz Hirtzberger 'Kirchweg' Grüner Veltliner, Smaragd, Wachau, Austria 2023
Pickup available at DECANT Napa - 2999 Solano, Napa, CA
Usually ready in 1 hour
Franz Hirtzberger is one of the Wachau’s most revered estates. A fifth-generation family domaine, the Hirtzbergers have helped define the Smaragd style—powerful yet precise—while farming some of the region’s most prized parcels in Spitz.
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WINEMAKER: Franz Hirtzberger Jr.
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FARMING: Sustainable
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VARIETY: 100% Grüner Veltliner
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TERROIR: Sourced from the Kirchweg vineyard, located on the foothills east of Spitz. The site is defined by deep loess soils with excellent water retention, promoting broad textures and ripe fruit character.
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VINIFICATION: Grapes are hand-harvested at full ripeness. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks.
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AGING: Aged on fine lees in stainless steel for added complexity and texture, without the influence of oak.
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TASTING NOTES: The 2023 'Kirchweg' is opulent yet controlled, offering aromas of ripe yellow apple, white peach, fennel pollen, and crushed herbs. The palate is broad and silky, showing excellent depth, and a stony undercurrent.
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FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal with roasted pork loin, schnitzel, aged Alpine cheeses, or spring vegetables with lemon and herbs.
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SCORES:
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95 points – Stuart Pigott, JamesSuckling.com
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Franz Hirtzberger is one of the Wachau’s most revered estates. A fifth-generation family domaine, the Hirtzbergers have helped define the Smaragd style—powerful yet precise—while farming some of the region’s most prized parcels in Spitz.
-
WINEMAKER: Franz Hirtzberger Jr.
-
FARMING: Sustainable
-
VARIETY: 100% Grüner Veltliner
-
TERROIR: Sourced from the Kirchweg vineyard, located on the foothills east of Spitz. The site is defined by deep loess soils with excellent water retention, promoting broad textures and ripe fruit character.
-
VINIFICATION: Grapes are hand-harvested at full ripeness. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks.
-
AGING: Aged on fine lees in stainless steel for added complexity and texture, without the influence of oak.
-
TASTING NOTES: The 2023 'Kirchweg' is opulent yet controlled, offering aromas of ripe yellow apple, white peach, fennel pollen, and crushed herbs. The palate is broad and silky, showing excellent depth, and a stony undercurrent.
-
FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal with roasted pork loin, schnitzel, aged Alpine cheeses, or spring vegetables with lemon and herbs.
-
SCORES:
-
-
95 points – Stuart Pigott, JamesSuckling.com
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