Rudi Pichler is one of the established top producers in the Wachau. In his vineyards, which are scattered across Joching, Wösendorf and Weißenkirchen, he produces characterful, long-lasting white wines. In addition to Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, Rudi Pichler also cultivates Pinot Blanc and the usually voluminous Roter Veltliner.
The winegrower knows how to breathe a great deal of varietal character into the wines in each category. His Federspiel Grüner Veltliner is always a favourite among connoisseurs, combining an animating drinking style with classic Wachau varietal expression. With the great Smaragd wines, Rudi Pichler and the next generation, Theresa and Rudi junior, succeed in bringing out the terroir beautifully. These powerful wines only develop their full splendour after a few years. Rudi Pichler selectively relies on appropriate maceration times; the fermentation period, which in previous years tended to be longer, has now become shorter again, as this better suits the desired style. The result is nuanced top wines with a very individual character.
The modern winery, which was officially opened in 2004, is not only worth seeing from an architectural point of view. It offers the dedicated winegrower the ideal space to press his remarkable wines under optimal conditions. Rudi Pichler's new series, full of character, is characterised by a tremendous mineral radiance, tautness and depth of aroma, the different terroirs are developed with the utmost precision. It is a pleasure to taste these wines, especially the outstanding Grüner Veltliner and Riesling Achleithen. The Falstaff editorial team voted Rudi Pichler "Winemaker of the Year 2010".
Route
