# Riesling Smaragd Ried Loibenberg (2023)

- **Producer:** Domäne Wachau
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Riesling
- **Region:** Niederösterreich, Austria
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €27
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, grapefruit, lemon, apricot, peach, pear, blossom, petrol (gasoline), wet stones

## About this wine

Domäne Wachau Riesling Smaragd Ried Loibenberg 2023 hails from the celebrated Loibenberg vineyard in Austria's Wachau region. This site, known for its sunny aspect and ancient gneiss soils, is a key terroir for Riesling. Domäne Wachau, a cooperative of 250 winegrowing families, emphasizes craftsmanship and respect for nature. The 2023 vintage was shaped by favorable October weather, leading to a concentrated and expressive wine with a balanced structure. The 'Smaragd' designation signifies the highest quality dry white wine from the Wachau DAC.

## Interesting facts

- Loibenberg is known as the 'Stovetop of the Wachau' for its sunny disposition.
- The vineyard's soil is 400-million-year-old Gföhl gneiss.
- Domäne Wachau works with 250 independent winegrowing families.
- Smaragd is the highest quality dry wine classification in Wachau.

## Food pairing

The wine's lively acidity cuts through richer dishes, cleansing the palate. Its fruit expression complements seafood and poultry, while its mineral notes harmonize with earthy vegetables and grains. The medium-plus body provides a good counterpoint to moderately rich proteins.

## Wine making process

The grapes for Domäne Wachau Riesling Smaragd Ried Loibenberg 2023 are spontaneously fermented in stainless steel tanks. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in stainless steel with a small addition of neutral Austrian oak. This method aims to preserve the purity of the Riesling grape and the distinct characteristics of the Loibenberg vineyard. The harvest for the 2023 vintage was completed by the end of October, capitalizing on favorable autumn weather.