Ried Hochgrassnitzberg Riedenwein GSTK 2021

The Polz Ried Hochgrassnitzberg Riedenwein G STK embodies the absolute pinnacle of Styrian winemaking and represents the quintessence of the renowned Hochgrassnitzberg terroir. This exceptional wine from the traditional Polz winery combines maximum concentration, complexity and the unmistakable characteristics of one of the best sites in southern Styria in a total work of art of impressive precision and elegance.

Terroir and origin
Wine-growing region: Südsteiermark DAC, Austria
Single vineyard: Ried Hochgrassnitzberg, one of the most prestigious vineyards in the region
Classification: Großes STK (Steirische Terroir- und Klassikweingüter), the highest quality level in Styria
Soil: Weathered limestone soils with a high proportion of shell limestone, ideal for complex, long-lasting white wines
The special feature of the Riedenwein G STK
Riedenwein: Designates a wine from a specific, outstanding single vineyard site
G STK: Indicates the highest quality level of STK wines, comparable to Grand Cru
Hochgrassnitzberg: One of the most renowned vineyards in southern Styria, known for wines of exceptional quality and longevity
Sensory profile
Color: Bright golden yellow with greenish reflections
Bouquet: Extremely complex and multi-layered with aromas of:
Ripe white and yellow fruits (pear, peach, mirabelle plum)
Citrus notes (lime, grapefruit)
Floral notes (elderflower, acacia)
Spicy components (white pepper, nutmeg)
Pronounced minerality (flint, salty notes)
Taste: Powerful, precise and elegant at the same time
Impressive structure and density
Lively, perfectly integrated acidity
Intense fruit aromas that unfold on the palate
Distinctive minerality
Creamy texture with a fine-grained tannin structure
Exceptionally long, multi-layered finish
Vinification
Strict selection of the grapes through multiple hand-picking
Extremely low yields for maximum concentration
Gentle whole-cluster pressing
Spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts
Maturation:
In large wooden barrels or barriques, depending on the vintage and style
Long maturation on the fine lees (batonnage)
At least 18 months maturation before release (STK regulations)
Food pairing
A wine of this size is an experience in itself, but can be accompanied by:
Fine seafood such as lobster or langoustines
Roasted turbot with truffle beurre blanc
Sweetbreads in morel sauce
Matured hard cheese (e.g. old mountain cheese, Comté)
Serving recommendation
Serving temperature: 10-12°C
Drinking age: Already an experience now, with exceptional ageing potential of 10-20 years or more
Occasion: For special moments, anniversaries or as the highlight of an exquisite wine tasting
Awards and recognition
Wines in this category are regularly awarded top ratings by renowned wine critics and in international wine guides. The Polz Ried Hochgrassnitzberg Riedenwein G STK is one of the highest rated white wines in Austria.

Sustainability and tradition
The Polz winery relies on sustainable and partly biodynamic viticultural methods in the Hochgrassnitzberg vineyard. The combination of traditional winemaking and state-of-the-art cellar technology allows the uniqueness of the terroir to be optimally expressed in this exceptional wine.

The importance of the STK classification
The STK (Steirische Terroir- und Klassikweingüter) have introduced a strict classification system based on the great role models such as Burgundy. The "Great STK Wines" (G STK) represent the top of this pyramid and are subject to the strictest quality requirements in terms of origin, vinification and ageing.