Grüner Veltliner, translated as “the green grape from the village of Veltlin”, is Austria’s most important white grape variety. Also found in eastern Europe and northern Italy, it produces wines that range from bone dry to extremely sweet. The dry version is the most common, where wines are usually fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the grape’s naturally high acidity and delicate aromas of white pepper, citrus, ginger and dill. The less common sweet style features rich flavors of honey, ripe apricots, and baking spices.
Grüner Veltliner has made its way to the new world of wine, with small plantings being found in United States and Australia. For example, in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, Illahe Vineyards uses a sustainable approach to viticulture to produce 100% Grüner from their family-owned vineyards. Fresh, spicy and delicate, this wine delivers the true character of this grape for those drinkers that would like to start experimenting with unusual grape varieties.
Because of its high acidity and saline
notes, Grüner if the perfect
food wine. Try it with a smoked salmon
sushi roll, curries that are not overly spicy, or a peppery arugula salad with
crispy veal cutlet. Think outside the
box and open your palate this unique grape and all it has to offer.
Discover our selection of Gruner Veltliner
Author: Maytte Rivera
