Vom Stein Riesling Smaragd trocken 2021

Wine Description for Vom Stein Riesling Smaragd Dry 2021 by Nikolaihof

Colour & Appearance

Deep golden yellow, already hinting at the maturity and extended ageing of this extraordinary Riesling.

Nose

A fascinating interplay of aromas between reduction and oxidation, reminiscent of the finest Jura Chardonnays. The slightly smoky reduction merges elegantly with ripe apples and apple skins. These are joined by herbal notes, mineral stone, a hint of acacia honey, beeswax and subtle echoes of Geuze – a fragrant composition of remarkable complexity and depth.

Palate

Surprisingly juicy and deep, characterised by pleasant dryness. The acidity structure presents itself more prominently than the ripe nose might suggest – a sign of enormous ageing potential. Yellow fruit, skins and zests and a pronounced saline-mineral component form a still firm, yet perfectly balanced overall composition.

Finish

Long, mineral and taut – this wine is still young and closed, but promises a great future.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from Wachau vineyard sites with loess, clay and Danube gravel – a soil combination that gives this Riesling its characteristic minerality and depth. Nikolaihof manages its vineyards biodynamically according to Demeter standards.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Spontaneous fermentation and an unusually long ageing of two and a half years in large wooden casks characterise the nature of this Smaragd Riesling. This patient vinification gives the wine its remarkable complexity and structure.

Food Pairing Recommendations

A wine for discerning pairings: roasted char, calf’s sweetbread, scallops with brown butter, mature Comté or Gruyère. The saline minerality also harmonises beautifully with oysters or raw fish in Japanese style.

Special Features

A Riesling of great individuality, deliberately eschewing conventional fruitiness in favour of complexity, terroir expression and ageing potential. Still closed now – in five to ten years, this wine will reveal its true greatness.