The F.X. Pichler Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Kellerberg 2018 is a flagship white wine from Austria’s Wachau region, crafted by F.X. Pichler from the Kellerberg vineyard. This 2018 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 gneiss-rich terroir of Kellerberg. 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 Pichler’s mastery of crafting iconic Wachau whites with elegance and power, ideal for enthusiasts seeking a collectible Grüner Veltliner with depth and finesse.