2023 Rudi Pichler Riesling Hochrain Smaragd

An exceptional Riesling from one of the Wachau’s most historic sites

Crystalline fruit, perfect balance, and breathtaking mineral drive. A wine that defines precision

97 Points – JamesSuckling.com | 97 Points – Falstaff

Wachau, Austria
RRP $100 | Single-Vineyard Riesling | Pure • Mineral • Grand Cru Energy

“An exceptional Riesling from one of the Wachau’s most historic sites — crystalline fruit, perfect balance, and breathtaking mineral drive. A wine that defines precision.”

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pale gold with green-silver hue — bright and translucent.
Aroma: Intense yet refined — lime blossom, white peach, green apple and crushed stone mingle with hints of jasmine and honey.
Palate: Taut, pure and finely structured. Vibrant citrus and stone-fruit characters glide over a spine of saline minerality and nervy acidity. Superb texture and energy.
Finish: Long, crystalline and mouth-watering — a mineral-driven echo that lingers with grace and tension.

Critical Acclaim

• 97 Points – JamesSuckling.com
  “So focused and filigreed, with lime, peach and crushed-stone aromas. Super-precise palate, seamless texture and a finish that seems to float. A brilliant, age-worthy Riesling.”

• 97 Points – Falstaff
  “A Riesling of clarity and concentration. Citrus, herbs and subtle spice woven around a fine mineral core. Harmonious, elegant and perfectly proportioned.”

Vineyard & Winemaking

The Ried Hochrain Vineyard, perched above Wösendorf on terraces of gneiss, loess and mica-schist, is one of the Wachau’s most prized sites for Riesling.
It yields wines of precision and power — ripe fruit balanced by hallmark mineral tension.

At Weingut Rudi Pichler, purity and patience define the craft:

• Hand-harvested fruit from mature vines

• Whole-bunch pressing to preserve delicacy

• Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts

• Extended lees aging in stainless steel and large neutral oak

The result is a Riesling of purity, energy and depth, expressing the very soul of Hochrain terroir.

Region

Wachau, Austria – Smaragd Classification
“Smaragd” represents the highest level of Wachau wines — concentrated, structured and designed to age.
The 2023 vintage combines remarkable freshness with density, producing a wine that’s both powerful and gracefully poised.

Food Pairings

• Grilled lobster or prawns with citrus butter

• Roasted chicken or duck with herbs

• Pork belly with apple glaze

• Sashimi or delicate Thai dishes

• Alpine cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère

Why We Love It

The 2023 Rudi Pichler ‘Ried Hochrain’ Riesling Smaragd is a masterwork of balance and minerality — precision meets grace.
With dual 97-point acclaim from James Suckling and Falstaff, it stands as one of the finest Rieslings of the 2023 Austrian vintage.

Every sip reveals layers of citrus, stone and salt — the essence of Wachau Riesling at its purest.
This is collector-grade wine — thrilling now, magnificent over the next 15+ years.

Focused. Elegant. Timeless.
The 2023 Rudi Pichler ‘Ried Hochrain’ Riesling Smaragd is a 97-point Wachau icon — power and purity in perfect harmony.