I first encountered Grüner Veltliner a while back and was impressed so when I saw one on this months release I had to jump at it. Especially given the price! Wikipedia says it “is a variety of white wine grape variety grown primarily in Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. It has a reputation of being a particularly food-friendly wine.”
This one is pale in color with lovely nice mild nose reminiscent of a sauv blanc. On the mid pallet the wine displays some lovely crisp and clean flavors. At first there were some effervescent notes on the tongue but this passed quickly. I’m a little hard pressed to place the specific flavors. They are somewhat reminiscent of a dry sauv blanc, not green, not citrus, kind of smack in the middle. On the finish the wine has some lovely bright acidity that builds nicely in the mouth. Some mild pink grapefruit. It’s a beautiful food friendly wine, and with food you don’t notice the acidity. I would give it an 88-89. For the price it’s a bargain and a wonderful example of this unique varietal. I have no idea how long it will keep but grab some!
From the LCBO web site:
STADT KREMS GRÜNER VELTLINER 2011 VINTAGES 295626 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 13.95
Made in: Kremstal, Austria By: Weingut Stadt Krems
Release Date: Oct 27, 2012
Wine, White Wine 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content: 2 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry
Tasting Note
Very impactful nose featuring apple, passion fruit, cinnamon, ginger and white flowers. Dry, round and mouthfilling texture upfront, but focused by a beam of laser-precise acidity. Well knit Grüner that will work wonders with turkey, glazed ham or roast pork. (VINTAGES panel, Sept. 2012)
