Neuburger Wachau trocken 2020 – Nikolaihof Wachau

The Nikolaihof is the oldest winery in Austria, with a history dating back to 63 AD. After secularisation at the end of the 19th century, the farm passed into the possession of the Saahs family, and in 2005 Nikolaus Saahs took over the management. Since 1971, the Nikolaihof has been working according to biodynamic principles, which resulted in Demeter certification. Since then, it has been called nettle liquid manure, valerian drops, horsetail tea and specially prepared preparations instead of herbicide, pesticide or fungicide.

The 2020 Neuburger is grown on loess-loam and Danube gravel and was bottled in April 2021. Delicate 3.5 grams of residual sugar are balanced by 7.5 grams of acidity. The old autochthonous Wachau grape variety Neuburger has experienced a new surge in popularity in recent years.

Brilliant golden yellow with bright reflections.

On the nose, it shows noble restraint in its youthful stage, because its nature is designed for several years of bottle ageing rather than juvenile garrulity. With increasing aeration, it then tells of ripe pome fruits, quinces and yellow pears, the abrasion of oranges and floral notes of elderberry and acacia in a sonorous voice. Fresh garden herbs like sage and chervil are complemented by crunchy hazelnuts.

With good bass and a good thrust, it knows how to assert itself confidently on the palate. Creamy with a fine yeasty note, it has a sophisticated depth and is reminiscent of freshly baked apricot tart, the base of course baked with salt butter. With a fleshy texture and expansive fruit, it is super juicy in the mouth, accelerated by the long, stretched acidity. A wine that already knows how to inspire when young, but which will grow even more over the next three to five years. Experience shows that it always runs out too quickly.