Today, back into Wachau to get a deeper understanding about the expressions of Wachau, Kremstal and Kamptal Rieslings.
Generally, Riesling can cope better with water stress and are planted in the more shallow soil in the upper parts in the vineyards. Grüner Veltliner which performs well in more fertile soil and could handle better an excess of water is planted on the middle and lower parts of the slops with more loess.
Roman Horwarth MW from Domäne Wachau showed an interesting comparison of the Singerriedel in the cooler western part of Wachau and Achleiten site in the warmer east section, which sees a stronger Pannonian climate influence. The 2018 Riesling Singerriedel Smaragd reflected this difference – even in this warm vintage: Straight-forward, precise, lemon, apple aroma with an elegant stony-mineral finish. The Achleiten offered peach, herbal notes with overall solid structure.
A look into the past provided the 1995 Riesling Ried Loibenberg Reserve Smaragd – dried orange peel, quince, yellow apple with loads of honey and wax. Intense and long.
Franz Hirtzberger commented on the influence of picking and vintage. The producer searches maximum ripeness. I like this style, especially in combination with food. In this tasting, the 2013 Singerriedel Riesling Smaragd was shining most with a lovely honeyed, waxy bittersweet peach and savoury toasty finish.
Martin Nigl presented an appealing trio of Rieslings from Ried Goldberg in Kremstal. My favourite was the 2019 vintage which was more focused than the 2018.
Fred Loimer from Kamptal showcased three Rieslings from Ried Heiligenstein. Although its one of the warmest sites, even the warm 2018 and 2017 are elegant and precise with vivid acidity and a lovely characteristic smokey finish. 2013 has evolved beautifully with savoury, balanced quince, honeyed and toasty aroma.
