2008 Pichler-Krutzler Grüner Veltliner Fräuengarten
Light apple/citrus nose, with a hint of minerality. This is a Federspiel in all but name, with moderate weight and alcohol. Nicely balanced, bone dry, with good underlying acidity; somewhat glossy/mineral, with flavors of pink grapefruit, pears, black pepper, and lentils. Drinking quite nicely right now, and should continue to develop for at least a few more years. Very good/excellent.
[This is a relatively new Wachau estate, owned by Elisabeth Pichler-Krutzler (daughter of F.X.), and her husband Erich Krutzler; 2008 was their first “full” vintage. You won’t see any Smaragds or Federspiels from here; Elisabeth and Erich are ineligible to join Vinea Wachau since they also make a Blaufränkisch from Südburgenland, where Erich comes from.]
2003 Alzinger Loibner Weingärten Grüner Veltliner Smaragd
Nose of honey, minerals, macadamia nuts, and wax beans. Full-bodied, bone dry, ripe, creamy; focused and rather compact. Well balanced, but a bit clumsy by Alzinger’s standards. Quite honeyed, with pear and melon flavors, and then displaying more mineral and peppery notes on the midpalate. Citrus/chickpea notes on the finish. Seems to be reaching maturity rather quickly, probably due to the nature of the vintage. A very good GV Smaragd, but not a great one.