Monumental Austria
2007 FX Pichler Grüner Veltliner "M"
Special Pre-Arrival Pricing on One of Austria's Greatest
Yes, the "M" stands for "monumental."
No, we don't know what "maracuja" is.
Or at least we didn't know what "maracuja" was, one of the stranger references we've ever come across in a tasting note by David Schildknecht, until we accessed the Tropical Plant Database and discovered that it's another term for "passionflower."
And so we have yet another testament to the specificity of David Schildknecht's palate-scholarship as well as a stellar introduction to the controlled exoticism of F.X. Pichler's most grand Grüner Veltliner, the simply titled "M," for monumental.
This is a powerhouse Grüner: ripe, flamboyant, tropical - a wine that needs the profound verbal acuity of a Schildknecht to unwind its inherent complexity. Yet what makes the 2007 so special is the tension, the racy framework, the glossy acidity that pulls this wine into an elegant, ultra-long and curvaceous form.
This is one of the most outrageous and elegant expressions of Grüner Veltliner out there.
Today we offer a small parcel (just about four cases) at the un-monumental - that is to say very humble - price of $68.60, only to those of you who have supported our Austrian program.
Consider that the lowest price on this bottle in the U.S. is $78, rising to $95. So we're talking a discount of between 10-20%, depending on your viewpoint.
 |
While the larger-than-life Austrian 2006s garnered a lot of attention, the 2007s came quietly to the market. Yet, as the vintage has developed, it's proven to be a simply great vintage - good ripeness countered by a much more tenacious acidity than the 2006s. This is a vintage for the more "classically" minded - more a vintage for the purists.
Schildknecht writes: "Lucas Pichler was one of the numerous growers to describe the relatively low alcohol and efficacious acidity of his 2007s as 'classic,' even though at this address in particular, one can hardly consider that statistically correct. The finished wines remind me a bit of the superb Pichler 1999s which were lushly, at times even extravagantly fruity (not to mention intensely mineral) while remaining refreshing and moderate in alcohol. F.X. Pichler compares the best of this year’s Rieslings with his 1997s, and certainly in terms of sheer quality it is hard to argue with that assessment."
For those of you who have had any of Pichler's 1999s or 1997s, you'll understand the weight of this comparison.
These will go very quickly; please reply to this email as soon as you can or call the store at (212) 980-9463 to order. All orders are subject to confirmation.
Stephen Bitterolf
Joe Salamone
Wine Buyers
Crush Wine & Spirits
 |
Special Email Price: $68.60
Compare at $78-$95
David Schildknecht, Wine Advocate: "The 2007 Gruner Veltliner Smaragd M – coming largely from the Loibeneberg [sic], but like the corresponding Kellerberg having been harvested late in November and early in December – features mango, maracuja, apricot, and black fruits in a ripely-scented, lush melange which suggests honeyed richness and sweetness on account of its glycerin, botrytis, and sheer extract. Hints of tobacco, mint, and pepper add to a voluminous, low-toned impression and a finish that remains sappy and satisfying. This should be worth following for at least 5-7 years."