Hirtzberger Riesling Singerriedel Smaragd 2020
Hirtzberger · Wachau, Austria
At a glance
- Producer
- Hirtzberger
- Region
- Wachau, Austria
- Grape variety
- Riesling
- Wine type
- White
- Body
- Medium-bodied and Fruity
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Typical price
- $60-$90
Tasting profile
Intense citrus, green apple, white peach, with pronounced slatey and flinty minerality
Evolution: Will develop complex petrol, honeyed and tropical notes, and richer mouthfeel over time
At peak: Complex layered aromas, balanced acidity, texture development, and long mineral finish
Structure
- Acidity
- High, crisp and racy
- Tannins
- None (white wine)
- Alcohol
- 12.5%
- Aging potential
- 20+ years due to high acidity, structure, and noble vineyard site
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2028 to 2045
- Optimal window
- 2025 to 2048
- Current status
- Approaching early maturity with excellent aging potential
- Current condition
- Wine is vibrant with primary fruit and expressive minerality; still tight but approachable
The 2020 vintage benefited from ideal moderate ripening conditions in Wachau. The Singerriedel vineyard is renowned for depth, minerality, and age-worthiness. High natural acidity and balance typical of the Hirtzberger style promise two decades or more of graceful evolution.
Food pairing
Excellent with seafood (oysters, scallops), Asian cuisine, roast chicken, fresh goat cheese, and dishes with herbal and citrus notes.
Serving
- Serving temperature
- 10-12°C / 50-54°F
- Decant
- Not required
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 8/10
Focus on low chemical use, manual vineyard work, soil preservation, water conservation, use of natural yeasts in fermentation
Hirtzberger employs environmentally conscious viticulture in the Wachau region which emphasizes ecosystem balance and responsible resource management. Although not certified organic or biodynamic yet, the estate adheres to strict sustainable norms. Packaging is moderate in weight; proximity to major European markets helps reduce carbon emissions related to shipping.