FX Pichler Flashcards
F.X. Pichler
F.X. Pichler is often cited as one of the Wachau’s finest estates, having achieved cult status in Austria and membership in Vinea Wachau. Franz Pichler Sr. began a selection of his finest Grüner Veltliner grapes in 1928, but the winery gained most of its acclaim under Franz Xaver (or “F.X.”) Pichler, who took over in 1971. The winery’s trademark is their single-vineyard Grüner Veltliners and Rieslings, the majority of which are Smaragd level (80% of production is Smaragd, the remaining Federspeil). F.X.’s son Lucas joined in 1996, and took over winemaking in 1999 with F.X. continuing to manage the vineyards. Lucas took complete control of vineyard management and winemaking on F.X.’s official retirement in 2009, the same year a new cellar was constructed.
Two Top Wines?
In addition to their vineyard-designate wines, they make two top-end cuvees, “F.X. Unendlich” (German for never-ending), first made in 1988, and “M” (for “monumental”), first made in 1991. Each is a selection of the best grapes from different vineyards.
