Im Weingebirge Grüner Veltliner Federspiel trocken 1988

Wine description for Im Weingebirge Grüner Veltliner Federspiel trocken 1988 by Nikolaihof

Colour & appearance

Deep old gold with amber reflections – the visual testament of a Veltliner that has more than three decades under its belt and wears them with dignity.

Nose

Mature and multi-layered: dried apricot, honeycomb, a hint of chamomile and white pepper – that peppery note which remains intrinsic to Grüner Veltliner even in old age. Beneath lies a cool, stony minerality reminiscent of wet gneiss, accompanied by touches of walnut and autumn leaves.

Palate

Astonishingly fresh for its age. With only 11.0% alcohol, the wine glides leanly across the tongue, supported by a still vibrant vein of acidity. Citrus zest, yellow apple and delicate herbal spice meet a silky, almost filigree structure – elegance rather than concentration, as the estate has cultivated for decades.

Finish

Long, saline and serene, with an aftertaste of honey and fine bitter almond. A finish that does not push, but lingers.

Terroir & origin

The vineyard site »Im Weingebirge« above Mautern is considered one of the oldest documented vineyards in Europe – recorded since the year 470 AD. Around six hectares climb the slope from 206 to 225 metres; the subsoil of paragneiss, overlaid by loess and clay, shapes the wine’s cool, mineral signature.

Grape variety & vinification

Pure Grüner Veltliner in the classic Wachau Federspiel category. At Nikolaihof, the musts ferment spontaneously in large, old oak casks – a practice the estate adopted long before it became a trend.

Food recommendations

Drink now, with dishes that respect its maturity: Wiener Schnitzel of veal, baked Arctic char, mushroom cream sauce with bread dumplings or matured mountain cheese. Also a revelation on its own, as a meditative sip in the evening.

Special features

An Archive Release 2024 – directly from the Roman vaulted cellar of Austria’s oldest winery, whose foundations date back to 63 BC. Nikolaihof is Demeter-certified and is regarded as the world’s oldest biodynamic estate; these principles have been followed here since 1971. That a Federspiel with a modest 11% abv. endures for almost four decades is compelling proof of the longevity for which this house is renowned.