Hefeabzug, Grüner Veltliner trocken 2013

Wine Description for Hefeabzug Grüner Veltliner Dry 2013 from Nikolaihof

Colour & Appearance

Intense yellow with copper-golden reflections – a hue that impressively documents ten years of maturation and far exceeds the typical straw yellow of young Veltliner.

Nose

Fascinatingly complex: candied limes and lemons meet pronounced tertiary notes of undergrowth, moss and hay. These are joined by dried grain, roasted hazelnuts and pumpkin seeds – an aromatic kaleidoscope that reflects the biodynamic working methods of Nikolaihof.

Palate

Surprisingly creamy and round with a hint of old-school residual sweetness that lends the wine elegance and finesse. The texture is remarkably smooth, the drinking flow seductive. At 12% alcohol, this is a Veltliner that achieves complexity not through power, but through balance – a wine that drinks itself before you notice it.

Terroir & Origin

Primarily from the legendary Steiner Goldberg (first mentioned in 1302), supplemented by grapes from Mautern. The vineyard sites between 300 and 380 metres altitude on paragneiss, mica schist and quartzite shape the mineral character. Loamy-sandy rigol soils with a high stone content ensure optimal drainage and concentration.

Special Features

Archive Release 2024 – a wine that was allowed to mature for eleven years in Nikolaihof’s cellar. The term „Hefeabzug“ refers to traditional vinification with extended yeast contact. An authentic example of aged Austrian Grüner Veltliner from biodynamic cultivation, proving that the variety can do far more than peppery fruit.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pan-fried char with butter and almonds, veal schnitzel with lamb’s lettuce, pumpkin risotto with roasted seeds or aged mountain cheese. The creamy texture also harmonises beautifully with mushroom dishes and poultry in light sauce.