2023 Rudi Pichler Grüner Veltliner Terrassen Smaragd

A beautifully structured, mineral-driven Grüner Veltliner from one of the Wachau’s great modern masters

95 Points – Falstaff | 94 Points – JamesSuckling.com

Wachau, Austria
RRP $73 | Estate Grüner Veltliner | Textural • Mineral • Powerful

“A beautifully structured, mineral-driven Grüner Veltliner from one of the Wachau’s great modern masters — pure fruit, precise spice and remarkable depth.”

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Bright straw-gold with green reflections — vivid and pure.
Aroma: Ripe pear, yellow apple and lime peel lifted by white pepper, fresh herbs and crushed stone.
Palate: Concentrated and textural. Juicy orchard fruit and citrus zest glide across a chalky mineral core with fine acidity and subtle spice.
Finish: Long and elegant — a lingering fusion of fruit, minerality and saline freshness.

Critical Acclaim

• 95 Points – Falstaff
  “A textbook Smaragd — dense yet vivid, showing pear and citrus aromatics with chalky grip and precision. Balanced, complex and age-worthy.”

• 94 Points – JamesSuckling.com
  “Ripe and focused with pear, lime and white-pepper character. Creamy yet fresh with excellent structure and length.”

Vineyard & Winemaking

The ‘Terrassen’ Grüner Veltliner draws from Rudi Pichler’s steep terraced vineyards in Wösendorf, Joching and Weissenkirchen — prime Wachau sites rooted in gneiss, loess and mica-schist.
These terraces produce Grüner Veltliner of density, minerality and classic pepper-spice definition.

At Weingut Rudi Pichler, precision is paramount:

• Hand-harvested fruit from estate terraces

• Whole-bunch pressing for delicacy and clarity

• Fermentation in stainless steel and large neutral oak for balance

• Extended lees aging for texture and depth

The result is a Grüner Veltliner that combines power and elegance — a true reflection of the Wachau’s grand terroir.

Region

Wachau, Austria – Smaragd Classification
“Smaragd” represents the highest tier of Wachau wines, denoting ripeness, density and age-worthiness.
Rudi Pichler’s Terrassen Smaragd epitomises this style — rich, textural and perfectly balanced by cool-climate freshness.

Food Pairings

• Roast chicken with lemon and herbs

• Grilled lobster or prawns with garlic butter

• Mushroom risotto or creamy pasta dishes

• Veal or pork cutlets with herb sauce

• Soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert

Why We Love It

The 2023 Rudi Pichler Grüner Veltliner Terrassen Smaragd is a benchmark of precision and purity, balancing ripe fruit and chalky minerality with elegant power.
With 95 points from Falstaff and 94 from James Suckling, it’s a world-class expression of the Wachau style — vibrant today and beautifully age-worthy.

This is Rudi Pichler at his best — clarity, craft and character in every sip.

Elegant. Mineral. Authentic.
The 2023 Rudi Pichler Grüner Veltliner Terrassen Smaragd is a 95-point Wachau classic — pure precision and power in perfect balance.