Nikolaihof | Wachau | Steiner Hund, Riesling trocken | 2016 | 750ml | bio

Description

Product description for Nikolaihof Steiner Hund, Riesling trocken 2016 (bio)

The Nikolaihof is the oldest winery in Austria, dating back to 63 AD. After secularization at the end of the 19th century, the business passed into the hands of the Saahs family. In 2005, Nikolaus Saahs took over management. Since 1971, the Nikolaihof has operated according to biodynamic principles, which ultimately led to Demeter certification. Since then, the method has been: nettle manure, valerian drops, horsetail tea, and specially prepared preparations instead of herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides. Beneath a thin layer of humus, the vine roots penetrate deep into the hard bedrock. These special conditions give the wines an exceptional balance, a distinct mineral character, and a fine elegance. After approximately three years of aging in wooden barrels with a capacity of 2,000 to 5,000 liters, the wine is bottled on a fruit day.

Colour

Intense straw yellow, radiant and clear.

Nose

The 2016 Steiner Hund Riesling Reserve Archive Release 2024 from Nikolaihof oscillates on the nose between herbal spice, delicate fruit notes, and the first hints of ripeness. Culinary herbs such as fresh coriander, borage, and cress mingle with small, plump pears and yellow, waxy apples, along with lemongrass and small peaches. Its conglomerate is very youthful and fresh in the glass, which should be large rather than small for this wine.

Palate

It is more quiet than loud on the first sip, which is why we set it aside for two hours with generous patience. The texture exudes great tranquility and combines the ripe acidity with the stimulating phenolics. With a creamy texture, it is charming, with a profound character and great understatement. A wine that should provide great pleasure in the long run. A carafe is highly recommended.

Copyright Vinaturel 2025

Keywords: Nikolaihof Steiner Hund, Riesling trocken 2016 bio Wachau Austria

Wine Advocate

Score: 95

From Krems-Stein in the Kremstal DAC and thus not marketed as Smaragd (and not even under the Kremstal appellation, which seems to be the unwritten paragraph in the “Codex Wachau” of the Vinea Wachau group), the 2016 Ried Steiner Hund Riesling offers a clear, intense and savory nose of ripe (and overripe) fruits intermingled with crystalline salinity. On the palate, this is a tight, tart, firm and structured yet also intense and densely textured, very elegant and persistent Riesling with structuring tannins and a clear and defined finish with floral notes. This is impressive in its complexity, vitality and mineral drive. A gorgeous wine! 12.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Archive Release 2024. Tasted in January 2025.
Stephan Reinhardt

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