Rudi Pichler Roter Veltliner Smaragd 2015

Generous and almost Auslese-like in character, Rudi Pichler himself noted as much, yet the 14% alcohol sits comfortably for a Smaragd of this ambition. Mango and ripe peach dominate the mid-palate, buoyed by eight grams of residual sugar, but a lively snap of apple skin and peach fuzz keeps the whole thing honest. The finish is where things get interesting: long and layered, with smoky peat, black tea, and a piquant green herb note threading through the fruit. A wine that walks the line between opulence and freshness with real skill.