The Franz Hirtzberger Grüner Veltliner Honivogl Smaragd 2019 is a prestigious white wine from Austria’s Wachau region, crafted by Franz Hirtzberger from the Honivogl vineyard. This 2019 Smaragd displays a bright gold hue and an intense nose of ripe peach, green apple, and white pepper, with hints of elderflower, wet stone, and subtle spice. The palate is rich and concentrated, with vibrant acidity, a mineral-driven core, and a long, elegant finish with a touch of creamy complexity. Fermented and aged in large oak casks, this wine reflects the loess and gneiss-rich terroir of Honivogl. Perfect with lobster, creamy risottos, or aged cheeses, it offers a luxurious dining experience. Rated highly by critics, it is drinking beautifully but can evolve over the next 7-10 years, developing richer, spicier notes. This Smaragd showcases Hirtzberger’s mastery of crafting iconic Wachau whites with elegance and power, ideal for enthusiasts seeking a collectible Grüner Veltliner with depth and finesse.