# Josef Fischer Riesling Smaragd Kreuzberg (2022)

- **Producer:** Weingut Josef Fischer
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Riesling
- **Region:** Niederösterreich, Austria
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €33
- **Vegan:** No
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 9–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, apricot, orange, mango, pineapple, blossom, honey

## About this wine

Weingut Josef Fischer is a historic estate on the right bank of the Danube in Rossatz, Wachau, first recorded in 1898. Today, it is run by fifth-generation winemaker Josef 'Joe' Fischer and his wife Katja. The estate's labels feature the 'Huchen' (giant Danube salmon), paying tribute to Joe's father, Josef Senior, who has dedicated decades to breeding and repopulating this near-extinct species in the Danube River. The 2022 vintage of Ried Kreuzberg benefited from its proximity to the cool Dunkelsteinerwald forest, acting as a 'cool-terroir' exception in a warm year, yielding a wine of incredible precision.

## Interesting facts

- The label features the 'Huchen' salmon, honoring the winemaker's father who breeds and repopulates this near-extinct species in the Danube.
- The 2022 vintage was awarded a perfect 100/100 points by Luca Gardini, ranking as one of the top three wines in the world.
- Ried Kreuzberg is a cool-climate vineyard situated next to the Dunkelsteinerwald forest, experiencing dramatic diurnal temperature shifts.

## Food pairing

This dry, high-acid Smaragd Riesling pairs beautifully with rich, textured dishes. Its piercing acidity cuts through the fat of fried foods like Schnitzel and oily fish like tuna or red mullet, while its intense mineral core and concentrated fruit profile complement the delicate, clean flavors of sushi and the savory depth of aged alpine cheeses.

## Wine making process

Grapes are sourced from the amphitheater-shaped terraced single vineyard Ried Kreuzberg, characterized by sparse, weathered paragneiss and amphibolite soils. The 35 to 70-year-old vines are farmed sustainably and organically. Grapes are hand-harvested late in autumn at optimal physiological ripeness. Vinification involves 100% spontaneous fermentation with native wild yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, lasting approximately two months. The wine is matured on its fine lees in stainless steel and bottled unfiltered in September of the year following harvest to preserve pure soil expression.