Steiner Hund, Riesling trocken 2016

Wine description for Steiner Hund Riesling dry 2016 from Nikolaihof

Colour & Appearance

Robust straw yellow with brilliant clarity – a wine that hints at its maturity in the glass without sacrificing freshness.

Nose

A fascinating duality: herbal spice meets delicate fruit. Coriander, borage and watercress interweave with plump pears, waxy apples and lemongrass. Subtle peach notes and initial hints of maturity lend the bouquet complexity. Despite its eight years, the wine displays remarkable youthfulness – a large glass is essential.

Palate

Restrained, almost meditative on the attack. After sufficient aeration – at least two hours – a creamy texture of impressive composure unfolds. The mature acidity merges elegantly with the stimulating phenolics into a complete work of art combining understatement and depth. Not a wine for immediate impact, but for patient connoisseurs.

Finish

Long-lasting and mineral-driven, with fine herbal spice that resonates for a considerable time.

Terroir & Origin

The vineyard site Steiner Hund in the Wachau provides the hard bedrock into which the vine roots penetrate deeply. This geological peculiarity gives the wine its pronounced mineral character and that balance for which Nikolaihof is renowned.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Riesling in pure form, cultivated according to biodynamic Demeter standards. Approximately three years of maturation in large wooden casks (2,000–5,000 litres) impart structure without obtrusive oak notes. Bottled on a fruit day according to the anthroposophic calendar.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Pike-perch with herb butter, scallops on fennel vegetables, pan-fried porcini mushrooms with parsnip purée, or classically with Wiener Tafelspitz and apple horseradish.

Special Features

Archive Release 2024 – a deliberately restrained vintage from Austria’s oldest winery (since 63 AD). This Riesling is a prime example of how great Wachau Rieslings gain in complexity over time. Decanting is absolutely essential.