2021 Rudi Pichler Riesling Terrassen Smaragd Wachau Austria
- 95 Point Riesling
- Exceptionally Age-Worthy Riesling
- Elite Producer in Wachau
- Falstaff’s Vintner of the Year in 2010
- Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles
Critical Reviews
About the Wine
Rudi Pichler is among the absolute best producers in all of Austria. He was awarded Falstaff’s Vintner of the Year in 2010. His winery is producing wines of precision, power, and longevity.
The cellar is based in the village of Wösendorf where generations of Pichler's have tended vines since 1731. Rudolph Pichler III took over the winery in 1997 and has since expanded the vineyards and constructed a modern cellar in 2004. While the winery is modern and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, Rudy takes a more traditional and simpler approach to winemaking. He says “The most important thing is that the grapes have to be in balance. When the wine is in balance, you don’t have to make it. You’re not a winemaker just a caretaker. I just take care of them.”
He is the Riesling king in Austria. This grape and Riesling make up 95% of the production with the remaining 5% shared between Weißburgunder and Roter Veltliner.
Rudi has passed his expertise and wisdom to his son, Rudi junior, who works hand in hand with Rudi to create these white wines that Falstaff calls “precise and full of character.”
Tasting Notes: 100% Riesling. This is an extremely elegant wine that shows a delicate structure. Beautiful aromas of white peaches, apples, and apricot with subtle notes of slate. This wine pairs amazingly with seafood, appetizers, and fruit desserts.
Reviews
~95 Falstaff
***Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles of This Wine***
Don't Miss This
Step Up Your Wine Experience with Big Hammer Wines
We taste over 5,000 wines tasted every year so you don't have to. We only pick 90+ rated wines sourced from the best wineries from all around the world.
Plus free shipping when you buy 12 or more bottles.
A Wine Journey Through Austria’s Unique Regions
Explore Austria's diverse wine regions, showcasing distinct expressions of terroir and tradition.
Wachau
Wachau: Terroir and the Art of Austrian Winemaking
Wachau’s terraced vineyards, overlooking the Danube River, are home to some of Austria’s most celebrated wines. With Grüner Veltliner taking center stage, these wines reflect the region’s rocky, steep terroir. The photos of Wachau’s scenic terraces bring the landscape to life—these are the vineyards that produce wines with vibrant acidity and layers of citrus, green apple, and mineral undertones.
Burgenland
Burgenland: A Sun-Drenched Haven for Bold Red Wines
Known for its warm, sunny climate, Burgenland produces wines that are rich, bold, and expressive. Here, Blaufränkisch and other red varieties thrive in the deep, fertile soils, offering complex, full-bodied wines. The Burgenland photos showcase expansive vineyards bathed in sunlight—ideal for pairing with hearty dishes, rich meats, and flavorful cheeses.
Kamptal
Kamptal: Balancing Freshness and Depth in Austrian Wines
Nestled in Austria’s heart, Kamptal offers wines that balance the best of freshness and depth. Known for its Grüner Veltliner, the region’s wines are peppered with flavors of fresh herbs, citrus, and spice. The Kamptal photos evoke the rolling hills and vineyards, representing the fresh, bright character that defines Kamptal wines.
Kremstal
Kremstal: Elegant Wines from the Danube's Cool Climate
The Kremstal region, with its cooler climate, is known for producing wines with a lively, elegant character. Rich in Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, Kremstal wines are aromatic and vibrant, with a delicate balance of fruit and minerality. The Kremstal photos perfectly reflect this—showing vineyards that lie along the Danube River, where the wines flourish in perfect harmony with the climate.
Styria
Styria: A Hidden Gem of Zesty and Sustainable Wines
Lesser-known but full of character, Styria produces wines that are fresh, zesty, and bold. With Zweigelt and Sauvignon Blanc among the standout varieties, this region is renowned for its clean, crisp wines with a touch of citrus and herbaceous notes. The Styria photos capture the lush, green hills and quiet vineyards—reflecting the region’s commitment to sustainable, natural farming.
Weinviertel
Weinviertel: Austria's Expansive Region of Diverse Wines
Austria’s largest wine region, Weinviertel, offers a variety of wines, from crisp, refreshing whites to deep, rich reds. With Grüner Veltliner being the star, these wines express the region’s cool, dry climate, providing fresh acidity balanced by flavors of green herbs and apple. The Weinviertel photos highlight the vastness of the region, with rows of vineyards stretching across the landscape.