2004 Gruner Veltliner Rotes Tor Smaragd

Harvested the 23rd and 29th of November, Hirtzberger’s 2004 Gruner Veltliner Rotes Tor smells of grapefruit, toasted almonds, and cinnamon. In the mouth, this medium-bodied, alluringly silken-textured example of Gruner Veltliner displays juicy pineapple fruit and a hint of beet root, along with a continuation of the almond and cinnamon themes. The finish is bright, subtly salty, and persistently juicy and spicy. While only barely above 13% alcohol – the minimum Hirtzberger sets as a standard for Smaragd – this wine is in no way deficient in ripeness of flavor nor in the distinctive richness of texture that sets it stylistically apart from its more delicate Federspiel counterpart. Importer: Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700