# Grüner Veltliner trocken "Hirschenreyn" (2023)

- **Producer:** Weingut Herbert Zillinger
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grüner Veltliner
- **Region:** Niederösterreich, Austria
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €26
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 9–9 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, fennel, white pepper, lemon, apricot, grapefruit, bread dough, vanilla, biscuit, almond, wet stones

## About this wine

The Hirschenreyn Weingut Zillinger 2023 is a Grüner Veltliner from Weingut Herbert Zillinger in Niederösterreich, Austria. The Hirschenreyn vineyard, characterized by its cool, northern exposure and deep loess and humus-rich soils, is considered a promising site for this grape variety. The vineyard's unique conditions contribute to the wine's distinct profile. Weingut Herbert Zillinger is a third-generation family estate dedicated to biodynamic and organic farming, with a philosophy of producing wines that reflect their origin and terroir through minimal intervention. The 2023 vintage presented challenges due to variable weather patterns, including a dry winter and spring rains that affected budburst, requiring diligent vineyard management.

## Interesting facts

- The Hirschenreyn vineyard is the coolest and highest plot in the Zillinger portfolio.
- The wine is sometimes described as having a 'Burgundy from the Weinviertel' character.
- The winery is a member of respekt-BIODYN, a group of biodynamic winegrowers.
- Minimal sulfur is used in the winemaking process.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity and minerality cut through richer sauces and complement the natural sweetness of seafood. Its herbal and spicy notes can echo or contrast with ingredients in various dishes, creating balanced and intriguing pairings.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Hirschenreyn Weingut Zillinger 2023 begins with selective manual harvesting of physiologically ripe grapes. The grapes undergo whole-bunch pressing, and the must is fermented turbidly using spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Fermentation and aging take place in large wooden barrels, where the wine matures on full lees for an extended period, typically one year. The wine is bottled unfiltered, with minimal sulfur additions. Weingut Herbert Zillinger employs certified biodynamic and organic farming practices, including fertilization with composted horse manure and pomace, and avoids artificial irrigation to allow the terroir to express itself.