Nikolaihof Im Weingebirge Grüner Veltliner Federspiel 2015
Nikolaihof is one of the oldest wine estates in Austria and even has some features dating back to the Roman Empire. The Saahs family took over the winery in 1894, carrying on the winemaking tradition that the Germanic monks had established there.
Grape Varietals & Region: 100% Gruner Veltliner from Im Weingebirge, Wachau, Austria, from vines with an average age of 47 years old. The soil is varied with loess on the higher terraces and deep topsoil over primary rock lower down the slope
Thought to be the oldest documented vineyard, the name “Im Weingebirge” dates back to the 5th Century. The wines from this vineyard are known to have impressive depth and minerality.
Taste Profile: Lemon yellow. The aroma of the Federspiel Im Weingebirge is somewhat reminiscent of cooling biscuit dough, biscuits and a little caramel with lemon curd, ripe apple and physalis with a slight hint of ripeness. There is also a little petrol and rooibos in the background. With air some dry herbs and orange slices mix into the aroma. The texture of this Grüner Veltliner is stunningly elegant and silky. The acidity is both ripe and silky, lively and persistent.
WInemaking Process: Alcoholic fermentation is spontaneous with native yeasts in Austrian oak vats. It then ages for 6 months in 2,000 to 12,000 litre wooden foudres before being bottled.