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Grüner Veltliner is a sprightly white grape native to Austria and makes refreshingly easy drinking fruity wines. It’s history dates back to the Roman empire though the grape emerged as Austria’s flagship grape in the 1950’s.
Gruner Vetliner is often compared to Chardonnay for its ability to yield a number of styles ranging from easy-drinking style to complex wines with the potential to age. Gruner Vetliner takes its time to ripen and loves cool climate hence the regions Kamptal, Kremstal, Vienna and Wachau make Austria’s best versions of the local white.
around the world
While most of the world’s Grüner Veltliner supply still comes from Austria, Eastern European neighbours like Hungary, Czech Republic and Bulgaria also have substantial plantings.
Alto Adige in north eastern Italy border Austria also makes Gruner Vatliner, albeit vintners use a variety of other names like Veltliner Bianco.
Interestingly, the American state of Oregon grows Grüner Veltliner in the Willamette Valley as does New York’s popular Finger Lakes.
New Zealand’s famous Marlborough and Central Otago regions which strikingly have a climate similar to Austria, also make a laudable style.
Tastes Like
Gruner Vetliner is a shining example of pleasingly easy drinking white wine that beams with a perfumed, floral nose and flavours of citrus and grapefruit and touches of herbs and minerals.
On the palate
Gruner Vetliner immediately coats the palate with exuberant tones of citrus and lime, laced with minerality and juicy acidity.
Pairing Recommendations
This easy drinking white can elevate salads and seafood dishes and rather impressively, absorb moderate curries with contrasting flavours.
Key styles
The classic Gruner Vetliner style is best sought out in Kamptal and Burgenland that make zesty and refreshing whites, bubbling with green apple and lime, laced with minerality and lovely acidity.
