2000 Franz Hirtzberger Honivogl Grüner Veltliner Smaragd

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger is in Austria’s Wachau valley. It was founded five generations ago by the Hirtzberger family and is today still run by a descendant of the founder also named Franz Hirtzberger. The estate makes Riesling, Veltliner, Pinot Blanc and other white wines. Robert M. Parker Jr. notes that the estate’s wines “possess cult status.”

This white grape is widely grown in Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia. As a wine, it is food friendly and has beaten top Chardonnays in blind tastings. It compares to a white Burgundy in richness and texture, and offers an exotic alternative to Sauvignon Blanc.