The Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Rotes Tor 2016 is a prestigious dry white wine from Austria’s Wachau Valley, crafted from Grüner Veltliner grown in the Rotes Tor vineyard by the Hirtzberger estate. This 2016 vintage displays a bright gold hue and a complex nose of ripe apple, white pepper, and lemon zest, with hints of wet stone, spice, and subtle floral notes. The palate is rich and concentrated, with vibrant acidity, a creamy texture, and a long, mineral-driven finish with a touch of honeyed complexity. Fermented and aged in large Austrian oak casks, this Smaragd-level wine reflects the loess and gneiss soils of Wachau. Perfect with lobster, creamy risottos, or aged cheeses, it offers a luxurious dining experience. With nearly a decade of aging, it is at its peak but can evolve further over the next 5-7 years. This Grüner Veltliner is a benchmark for Hirtzberger’s portfolio, appealing to collectors.