Nikolaihof | Wachau | Neuburger Wachau trocken | 2022 | 750ml | bio

Description

Product description for Nikolaihof Neuburger Wachau trocken 2022 (bio)

Info

Neuburger is an old, indigenous grape variety from the Wachau region. It is known for its exceptional storability and as an exciting food accompaniment. Neuburger grows on loess soils on Danube gravel. Despite its low 11% ABV, moderate acidity, and low residual sugar, it is stable for decades. The importance of this grape variety is negligible. No pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, or other chemical-synthetic treatments are used in the Nikolaihof vineyards. Horn silica and horn manure are applied to strengthen the vines and the soil. The wine is fermented exclusively with the grape’s natural yeast, without the addition of sugar, enzymes, flavour enhancers, or pure yeasts. After fermentation, it matures for approximately six months in large, neutral wooden barrels until bottling on a fruit-ready day. The 2022 vintage was bottled in April 2023.

Colour

Bright straw yellow with light reflections

Nose

The nose reveals a broad spectrum of aromas, presented in a rather subtle way. Local fruit exhibits a delicate spiciness and grassy to herbal nuances. Yellow and red apples, ripe pears, and a heavily cooked quince compote. The fruit also experiences many nuances from the bakery. Shortcrust pastry, a bit of covered apple pie, and aniseed cookies flow just as intensely from the glass. Clove, allspice, and star anise mingle with these. Dried marjoram, sage, and savory add a generous breeze of herbal spice. Freshly cut grass smells wonderfully refreshing alongside lemon balm.

Palate

It’s clear that this Neuburger shouldn’t be drunk too cold. 10°C and above is appropriate. It hovers between two worlds. Light-footed, with a low alcohol content and a racy finish. It is also dense and characterized by great length. The truth lies somewhere in between; the Neuburger wine serves both worlds. The aromatic diversity is very exciting. It doesn’t need a broad body or smoothness to convey this density. Its cool mouthfeel allows it to flow easily over the palate. Its robust character, paired with its distinctive spiciness, defines it. An honest sip of wine, distinctive and versatile.

Copyright Vinaturel 2025

Keywords: Nikolaihof Neuburger Wachau trocken 2022 bio Wachau Austria

Wine Advocate

Score: 92

The 2022 Neuburger, an autochthonous, spontaneous crossing between Sylvaner and Roter Veltliner that is cultivated on rather shallow soils, opens with an intense yet also delicate and even coolish bouquet of bright and elegant fruit aromas intertwined with flinty notes of crushed, crystalline rocks or cold, wet stones. The grapes are sourced from the single-vineyard sites Bischofpoint and Im Weingebirge, so on loess and loam soils with some paragneiss elements in the Im Weingebirge. The finish is tight, remarkably fresh, mineral and stimulatingly long. This is a light yet firm and frisky white wine with class and style. It’s much less fruity than any other wine from Nikolaihof, yet there is fruit but in a discreet way and a stimulating saline and crunchy finish. 11% stated alcohol. Screw cap. Tasted in January 2025.
Stephan Reinhardt

Vinous

Score: 91

The 2022 Neuburger, picked in Mautern, has a small proportion of skin-fermented wine. It delivers apricot and lemon on a very juicy nose that promises generosity and waxiness. The palate is slender but the texture is generous—smooth and fluid, with a phenolic, gauze-like web that holds white pepper, slight streaks of lemon pith and a serene note of pure lemon zest, all amidst this rounded, ripe and slender body. It is very clear-cut and clean on the finish, with a smattering of white pepper and more of that zestiness. (Bone-dry)
— Anne Krebiehl MW
Drinking window: 2023 – 2030
Review date: Feb 2024

Producer website: https://www.nikolaihof.at/en/home/