# Ried Kirchpoint Grüner Veltliner Federspiel (2024)

- **Producer:** Weingut FJ Gritsch Mauritiushof
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grüner Veltliner
- **Region:** Niederösterreich, Austria
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €14
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, pear, peach, lemon, grapefruit, white pepper, fennel, grass, biscuit

## About this wine

Weingut FJ Gritsch, located in the historic Mauritiushof in Spitz an der Donau, is one of the Wachau's most storied estates, with roots dating back to the 13th century. Today, winemaker Franz-Josef Gritsch combines centuries of family tradition with modern precision. The 'Kirchpoint' vineyard is situated on a gently sloping terrace with deep, nutrient-rich loess and sandy soils, which imparts a distinctively elegant, fruit-forward character to the Grüner Veltliner. This wine represents the classic Federspiel category, showcasing the unique microclimate of the Danube river valley where cool alpine breezes meet warm Pannonian winds.

## Interesting facts

- The Mauritiushof, the estate's headquarters, was built in the 13th century by monks from the Niederaltaich Abbey.
- Ried Kirchpoint features deep loess soils, which retain moisture exceptionally well, protecting the vines during dry summer months.
- The term 'Federspiel' is a Wachau classification named after falconry, representing elegant, dry wines of medium body.

## Food pairing

Grüner Veltliner's high acidity and signature white pepper note make it incredibly versatile. It cuts beautifully through the richness of fried foods like Wiener Schnitzel, while its herbal and citrus profile complements green vegetables like asparagus, which are notoriously difficult to pair. It also has enough body and spice to stand up to moderately spicy Asian dishes.

## Wine making process

The grapes from Ried Kirchpoint are hand-harvested selectively to ensure optimal ripeness. After gentle pressing, the must undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve the vibrant primary fruit aromas and characteristic white pepper spice of Grüner Veltliner. The wine is aged on its fine lees for several months in stainless steel, enhancing its texture and complexity while maintaining its signature crispness and mineral drive.