Grüner Veltliner
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Grüner Veltliner
TL; DR
Austria's best known grape, a zingy white of great character
So, what is it?
Grüner Veltliner is a really intriguing grape - when young, it's fresh and tangy, and could be compared to Riesling. With age it turns round and powerful, and looks more akin to Chardonnay! Always shows a distinct watercress or radish character as well.
Where does it come from?
This is an Austrian native, and is grown all over the country. Rarely found elsewhere however - occasionally in northern Italy and western Hungary, and slowly popping up in Australia and New Zealand!
Who's famous for it?
Austria - Weinvertel, Wachau
Italy - Alto Adige
Hungary - Lake Balaton
Australia - Adelaide Hills, Canberra
What does it taste like?
The main fruits here are grapefruit and lemon, with some crunchy green apple and a hint of mandarin sometimes evident. More telltale are the savoury characters - look for celery, radish, watercress or even lentil. Zingy acid and a pepperiness make it stand out.
Main styles it's known for?
Either lean and vibrant (Riesling-esque) or harvested later and thus broad and powerful, but always with that tang to it.
What foods should you be pairing it with?
The 'green' flavours in the wine (lime, celery etc) work wonderfully with green vegetables, asparagus etc, whilst the acidity and the spice mean that it can stand up to gently spiced Asian cuisines.
Fun fact
Grüner is seen as a grape with a big future, especially in Australia and New Zealand, where it has been planted enthusiastically over the past few years.
