Nose

a at first the wine presents itself with restraint before revealing its complex potential in the glass. The initial
minerally aromatic structure comprising flint, graphite and slate is gradually overlayered by fruity notes of dry hay and exotic fruit.

Palate

Delicate and harmonious; pampers the palate with a clean, fresh acidity and succulently salty taste and has a persistent finish.

Growing Conditions

The topsoil of the single vineyard in Völser Aicha/Aica di Sotto situated on 590-630m.a.s.l. comprises moderately silty sand with high salt levels and low humus content. A striking feature of the site is the presence of gray porphyry. The deeper soil horizons are dominated by sandy limestone rock flour. The geology of the site gives the wine its specific character: minerally flint nuances on the nose and salty-minerally on the palate with a clean and fresh acidity.

Harvest

The Sauvignon Blanc grapes are harvested at full maturity, when the acidity levels are still remarkably high. All grapes are handpicked.

Winemaking

After a maceration period lasting eight to twelve hours, the berries are gently pressed. For alcoholic fermentation, 25% of the must is placed in new tonneaux barrels and 75% in big wooden barrels, where the young wine remains for almost a year. This process gives the RACHTL Sauvignon Blanc Riserva its smoothness and structure. To maintain
the minerality of the wine, care is taken to avoid malolactic fermentation during this period. The assemblage then spends six months in a stainless steel tank for natural clarification. Finally, the wine is allowed to mature for a
further twelve months in the bottle.

Aging

- for 12 months:
75% in large oak casks |
25% in tonneau barrels
- 6 months in stainless steel tank
- 12 months maturation in bottle

Appearance

Bright straw yellow color with greenish reflexes.

Food Pairing

Seafood, crustaceans and fish, pork and poultry, rice dishes.