Grüner Veltliner - Austria's Top Planted Varietal

Grüner Veltliner originates in Austria and the signature grape as well as the most widely planted of the country. It is also grown in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and USA. The typical style of Grüner Veltliner is a light, citrus, vegetal and minerality wine with zippy acidity. Typical flavors of Grüner Veltliner are lime, lemon, grapefruit, green apple, minerals, green beans, tarragon and a white pepper finish. The acidity is also very zippy and active in your mouth. This style is quite common in the Weinviertel region of Austria. The second style is richer, heavier and more complex from warmer regions of Wachau, Kremstal and Kamptal. This style has more spice and needs time aging in the bottle to fully develop. Some use oak for aging, others old barrels or stainless steel. These wines with time become honey-like, marmalade flavors and are similar to an aged Burgundy.

This wine is 100% Grüner Veltliner. Winemakers Karl und Peter Steininger is located in the sub region of Langenlois in Kamptal, Austria. They use sustainable farming practice of their 135 acres estate. The vines are approximately 20 years old at an elevation of approximately 212 meters and grown on loess and clay soil. The grapes are fermented in cool temperature stainless steel tanks. The must remains on its lees for 4 months. The wine has a pale lemon color. The nose has aromas of lemon, pear, green apple, grass and stone. Palate is slightly off-dry with medium+ acidity and creamy texture with flavors of lemon, pear, green apple, grass, stone, asparagus, and a white pepper finish.

Grüner Veltliner is a great alternative for Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Blanc fans.

Pairs very well with rich flavored foods due to its high acidity such as sheep or cow creamy cheeses such as goat cheese, Camembert or ricotta cheese, Wiener Schnitzel, pork chops, halibut with butter tarragon sauce or wasabi crusted tuna. It also pairs well with the hard to pair vegetables asparagus and artichokes.