semicolon ; Gewürztraminer 2020

An intense, puristic Gewürztraminer whose bouquet is driven by earthy, stony, and smoky notes. Layered above are dried grasses, rose petals, green pepper, and orange zest, underscored by a yeasty-spicy tone and a depth one could simply immerse oneself in.

Nikolaihof is located in the Wachau, built upon the foundations of the Roman fort Favianis dating back to 63 BC. The Saahs family has farmed the estate since 1894, and biodynamically according to Demeter standards since 1971. The 22 hectares function as a living organism: wild herbs among the vines, bees, and European green lizards on the stone terraces.

Under the label s e m i c o l o n, Katharina Salzgeber and Nikolaus Saahs explore how Gewürztraminer and Riesling respond to an alternative harvest timing, different processing, and non-traditional ageing. Much like the semicolon, which defies rigid grammatical conventions, these wines cast off the corset of the familiar. Here: 100% skin-fermented, aged for eight months in used wood, without fining, stabilisation, filtration, or added sulfur.

Dry and precise, offering an intellectual challenge to the palate rather than an embrace. The fine tannin lends structure, while the spice of citrus and apple peel keeps the wine alert and lively. At 10.5% ABV it remains lean; vibrancy, freshness, and depth define its stylistic identity.

A wine crafted for creative cuisine rich in herbs and spices: king oyster mushroom and sprout salad with wild strawberries, parsnip and fig gratin with Gorgonzola, or pan-seared foie gras with wild raspberry coulis and wild herb salad.

Nikolaihof is Demeter-certified and regarded as the oldest Demeter winery in the world; in the Wachau, it stands as the sole certified biodynamic producer.