Who makes it?

FX Pichler Ried Kellerberg Gruner Veltliner is an outstanding Austrian wine. It is one of the benchmark Gruner Veltliner wines. The Pichler family has been making wine for over a hundred years in the  Wachau wine region. The FX pays tribute to Franz Xaver Pichler who is still involved in this business. It was Franz Xaver’s father who began planting his outstanding selection of Gruner V vines back in 1928.

The future is looking bright still for this family winery in the hands of Lucas Franz. Gruner Veltliner is still a focus for FX Pichler. Riesling is not far behind. They also are growing some Sauvignon Blanc and Gelber Muskateller.  

How do they make it?

The vineyard ‘Kellerberg’ is one on steep slopes of the bend in the Danube. Incidentally, ‘Ried’ means ‘single vineyard. Notably, this vineyard also produces a very fine Riesling too. 

The Gruner Veltliner ferments predominately in stainless steel with a portion fementing in barrel. The wine matures for around 9 months on lees to round it out and add additional complexity.

What does it taste like?

This particular Gruner Veltliner is full of flavour with some savoury spice. It is a dry white wine with a fuller body and exquisite elegance. The aromas and flavour are riper in style.  Not just citrus, which is more softer in profile such as mandarin, but also some more tropical notes. There is a saline minerality that adds savoury dimensions and a light cream spice due to that lees time. 

This is a wine that will age well if you have a mind to cellar it. 

What to drink it with?

This wine has plenty enough fruit to enjoy with some light Asian spiced dishes. It will also match a salad with chicken or brie and pear tartlets. As it ages, it will develop a deeper, honeyed note that will make it especially good with something like roasted chicken or turkey or a baked fish with a burnt butter and flaked almond sauce. While young it will great with herb coated chicken or a grilled scallop and cream pasta.

Cheese

Drink with fresh cheeses such as feta or chevre or a white bloomy cheese.  

Quickie review « The FX Pichler is one of the world’s prestige Gruner Veltliner producers. The Kellerberg Gruner Veltliner is an outstanding example for the grape. »

Country of Origin:  Wachau, Austria
Tasting Date: March 2025
Price:  UK £110 | €110| US$ 110++
Drink: now – 7+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like Gruner Veltliner wines, why not check out:
Winzer Krems Orange Gruner Veltliner
Ecker Gruner Von Eckhof

Visit fx-pinchler for more.