We enjoy discovering wines made from lesser known grapes or regions so this episode we talk about Grüner Veltliner, which after this episode might be your new favorite summer white wine. Grüner Veltliner is a grape that makes a dry white wine by the same name that is grown almost exclusively in Austria. The name translates to “Green Wine of Veltlin” – an area in the lower Alps during the 1600’s that is now part of Valtellina, Italy. There are about 50,000 acres of Grüner Veltliner worldwide with over 75% of Grüner Veltliner wines coming from Austria. The rest of the vines are mostly in Slovakia, Czech Republic, and parts of the US.
In this week’s episodes we discuss:
- History of Grüner Veltliner
- Austrian Wine Country
- Flavors characteristics and styles of Grüner Veltliner
- Food pairings
Wine Recommendations
Anton Bauer Wagram/Österreich Gmörk Grüner Veltliner 2014 – priced around $15. This wine falls within the light & zesty style of Grüner with a nose of white pepper, lime, minerals, and nectarine. It’s dry, with high acidity and medium-light body with flavors of grapefruit, lime, and mandarin orange. It’s lighter body and fruitiness means it’s a good wine for warm weather and you can drink alone despite high acidity.
Kremser Wachtberg Grüner Veltliner Kremstal DAC Reserve 2015 – priced around $23. This wine is light and dry with aromas of honey, lemon and white peach. It falls in the rich and nutty style with flavors is nectarine, orange blossom, brazil nut and tarragon. A great wine for someone looking for a little more complexity in their summer wine. The acid is there but it’s not overwhelming.
We hope this inspires you to try this crisp, fruity wine that’s perfect for summer. Do you have a Grüner to recommend? Let us know below or on social media.
Sources:
- Wine Folly
- Wikipedia
- Vine pair
- Gruner veltliner is universal
- Meet Grüner Veltliner, Central Europe’s Sexiest Grape
- Your Next Lesson: Grüner Veltliner
- Loess is more for Grüner Veltliner
- The Blossoming of Grüner Veltliner
- Austrian Wine
- Austrian Embassy USA
- The Oxford Guide to Wine
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