Rudi Pichler Grüner Veltliner Kollmtz Smaragd 2024

Old vines, between 50 and 80 years, on weathered gneiss, and it shows. A flinty reduction still clings to the nose, adding a steely edge before the wine opens up. White pepper drives the palate with real intensity, backed by concentrated fruit, a saline cut, and vivid, mouthwatering juiciness. The body is lean rather than broad, yet there's genuine flow and contour here, nothing feels stripped or angular. Pepper and tension define the wine from start to finish.