Wine 101- The Fascinating Grüner Veltliner

Explore the captivating journey of Grüner Veltliner, Austria’s premier white grape, as it spreads its influence from the Alpine landscapes of Niederösterreich to emerging vineyards in the United States. Uncover the grape’s origins, its rise to international acclaim, and the delightful symphony of flavors that define this versatile varietal.

Grüner Veltliner in 60 Seconds

• A light-bodied white wine renowned for its very high acidity.
• Offspring of Traminer (Savignin/Sauvignon Blanc) with St. Georgen as its second parent.
• Austria dominates global production, cultivating over 75 percent of the world’s Grüner Veltliner.
• High-quality versions often undergo oak aging.

The Grape’s Origins

• Grüner Veltliner’s name translates to “Green Wine of Veltlin,” rooted in the historical Valtellina region in the lower Alps.
• While some link the grape to Roman times in Valtellina, its traced lineage originates in Austria’s Niederösterreich.

Grüner Veltliner’s International Recognition

• Famed British wine writer Jancis Robinson’s 2002 tasting in Vienna catapulted Grüner Veltliner onto the global stage.
• The grape’s distinct qualities, showcased against top whites worldwide, earned it accolades and a place on international wine lists.

What Grüner Veltliner Tastes Like

• A dry wine with pronounced citrus notes of lemons, limes, and grapefruit.
• Exhibits a unique white pepper quality, akin to a green herbaceous character reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc.
• Among the rare white wines, Grüner Veltliner boasts remarkable age-worthiness, comparable to Chardonnay and Riesling.

Age-Worthy Grüner Veltliner

• Selected fruit for age-worthy expressions undergoes oak aging for one to three years.
• Priced up to $50, these wines can be cellared for a decade, revealing rich layers of citrus, honey, and trademark high acidity.

Foods To Pair With Grüner Veltliner

• Famed chef Wolfgang Puck’s ideal pairing: Wiener Schnitzel with Grüner Veltliner, highlighting the wine’s affinity for fried foods.
• Crisp and herbaceous, Grüner Veltliner complements vegetarian dishes, especially those with spice, like Thai coconut curry or spiced black bean tacos.
• Ideal for seafood, particularly lean fish such as haddock or halibut, enhancing the wine’s crisp and austere character.

10 Facts about Grüner Veltliner

1. Grüner Veltliner accounts for over 30% of Austria’s wine production.
2. It represents one-fifth of Slovakia’s wine output.
3. U.S. wine regions, including the Finger Lakes and New Jersey, have embraced Grüner Veltliner cultivation.
4. The grape is the offspring of Traminer and the obscure Austrian white variety St. Georgen.
5. Austria cultivates more than 75% of the world’s Grüner Veltliner.
6. Grüner Veltliner translates to “Green Wine of Veltlin.”
7. Despite historical connections to Valtellina, Grüner Veltliner’s lineage is traced to Austria’s Niederösterreich.
8. Jancis Robinson’s 2002 tasting in Vienna played a pivotal role in Grüner Veltliner’s international recognition.
9. Grüner Veltliner is recognized for its age-worthy characteristics, comparable to Chardonnay and Riesling.
10. Chef Wolfgang Puck’s recommended pairing is Wiener Schnitzel with Grüner Veltliner.

These facts offer a glimpse into the rich history and characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape that has left an indelible mark on the world of wine.

Since you made it here…Interesting Wines to try

2019 Bouchaine Hyde Vineyard Merlot Carneros – Napa Valley

• The legendary Hyde Vineyard unveils a brilliantly structured Merlot
• Ripe tannins dominate, yet irresistibly approachable in its early evolution
• Sarsaparilla, cola spice, and cigar humidor dance with black licorice
• Layers of plum sauce, blackberries, cassis, and black raspberries unfold
• Scrubby herbs emerge with perky acidity, keeping the experience lively
• Immerse yourself in the world of wine with Hyde Vineyard’s masterpiece
• Elevate your tasting experience with this captivating Merlot

2019 Chappellet Merlot Napa Valley

• Inky richness, bursting with toasty cacao, espresso, and grilled vanilla
• Silky mouthfeel framed by sweet, integrating tannins
• Spiced plums, cassis, and bright acidity lingering through a blueberry-kissed finish

2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot Los Carneros – Napa Valley

• Pure evocation of strawberries with evolving tea-like tannins
• Flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and smashed blueberry
• Notably savory with hints of carob, mineral, black licorice, and plum sauce layers

2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley

• A beautiful expression with sweet tannins and well-integrated oak spicing
• Hoisin sauce, cassis, violets, and candied orange peels
• Sandalwood, floral peppercorns, espresso beans, warm vanilla, and loam

2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Estate-grown brilliance structured for mid-term aging
• Ripe red berry fruit and cherries finding counterpoints in dusty tannins and carob
• Minerality pulsing through each sip, delivering a brilliant wine experience

2019 La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Estate MerlotNapa Valley

• A classic effort from winemaker Chris Carpenter with astounding mountain-grown grapes
• Age-worthy tannins allowing notes of licorice, granite, cacao nibs, and well-steeped tea to shine
• Cardamom and violets lingering through the long, elegant finish

2020 Macari Vineyards Merlot North Fork of Long Island

• A spicy and fascinating expression, dominated by crushed peppercorns
• Remarkably translucent, revealing red cherries, raspberries, and toasted fennel seeds with oak spice

2018 Meeker Winemakers’ Handprint Collection Merlot Sonoma County

• Lifted and well-delineated, expressive of black raspberries, ripe cherries, and goji berries
• Loamy earthiness, sarsaparilla-dusted tannins, and a bay-leaf note creating an intriguing wine experience
• Elegant yet powerful, structured for cellaring or enjoying now with grilled meat

2019 Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley

• Toasty, rich, and brooding, a wine rewarding patience
• Notes of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, purple plums, and cardamom promising complexity
• Impressive balance and structure with graphite-like tannins and singed laurel nuances

2019 Northstar Premier Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington

• Velvety texture, ripe with a counterbalancing punch of acidity
• Crushed blackberries and mulberries, vanilla, clove, and toasty oak through the finish
• A stellar example of what the wine variety does best in the Columbia Valley

2019 PlumpJack Estate Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• A toasty, modern, crowd-pleasing beauty with rich, chocolatey notes
• Plums, blackberries, and cassis lifted by candied violets
• Aging potential of five to seven years, but delightful fruitiness makes it enjoyable now

2019 Ridge Vineyards Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains

• Shining with the character of the venerable Monte Bello Vineyard
• Cedar, incense, brambly berries, elegant balance, and beautifully calibrated acidity
• Promising another ten to fifteen years of life ahead

2019 Rutherford Hill Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• Silky and herbaceous, less fruit-forward than typical Napa Merlot
• Layers of black and red raspberries, cherries, and chocolate with lively mineral finish
• A solid value delivering a unique wine experience for less than $30

2019 Seavey MerlotNapa Valley

• Estate-grown Merlot marked by toasty oak, cafe mocha notes, and woodsy spices
• Silky tannins, density, and underlying pulse of minerality providing real energy
• A captivating wine experience with impressive aging potential

2020 Seven Hills Winery Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Fruit-forward Merlot from a vineyard planted in the early-1980s
• Underlying bergamot note with nuances of sage, oregano, and cracked peppercorns
• Sweet tannins lingering through flavors of red and purple plums and huckleberries

2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Vineyards MerlotNapa Valley

• Rich, chocolatey aromas of hoisin sauce and spiced blackberry liqueur
• Balanced acidity with minerality, hint of dried herbs, and fantastic kirsch finish

2019 Vérité La Muse

• One of the most intriguing and appealing new-release Merlots
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