Gruner Veltliner
Pronunciation - Groo ner Vehlt LEEN ehr
Where it's Grown:
Primarily grown in Austria along the Danube River
and its tributaries. The most prestigious wines
come from a growing area named Wachau but
excellent wines are sourced from Kamptal and
Kremstal. Gru Ve is also grown in Germany and
Slovenia but the most classic examples are from
the areas already listed. The ripeness levels of
wines from Wachau have some special terminology.
Federspiel is the first level I would recommend
you try and is the middle tier of ripeness. A
very powerful, rich and spicy style will be found
in bottles labled with the Smaragd
designation.
What to expect:
Lime, lime zest, a dash of white pepper, lilac
and even hops will jump out of the glass. There
are also a moderately ripe to juicy peach notes,
pear and even green apple. The ripeness of the
fruit flavors is dictated by the timing of
harvest. Smaragd level wines will even have a
touch of honey mixed with camomile tea. Later
harvests generate riper, richer flavors. All this
caucaphony of fruit is blended with lovely
mineral notes and held by a medium body to full
body. Clean, refreshing and great with food.
Especially good with green vegetables like
asparagus!
Expect to pay anywhere from $12 to $60 per bottle
retail with great wines starting just under $20.
See the weekly wine pick
from March 7, 2009 for a great suggested wine
to buy!
