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A Guide to Grüner Veltliner: Our Favorites Under $25
Grüner Veltliner (“grew-ner velt-LEE-ner”) is my go-to wine when looking at a restaurant’s wine list for several reasons: it’s high quality, easy to drink, and typically the most affordable option. In addition, Grüner Veltliner pairs well with all types of food making it a versatile choice.
What do you think of when you hear “Austria”? Do visions of Alps, quaint villages, and beautiful castles come to mind? While all of that is certainly true, there’s another side to this fascinating country – it’s wine.
Grüner Veltliner is the most widely planted grape variety from Austria. It has a light, refreshing taste, and its simply easy to drink and enjoy!
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about Gruner Veltliner, including my top picks under $25!
Table of Contents
What is Grüner Veltliner?
Grüner Veltliner is a white wine grape that is native to Austria. It is the most planted grape in the country, and it has been growing there for centuries. The name “Grüner Veltliner” means “green of Veltlin”, which is a region in Italy where the grape was first mentioned in written records.
The grape is also known for its versatility, as it can be made into a variety of styles of white wine. Austrian Grüner Veltliner can be light and refreshing, which is the style it is most known for, or it can be more full-bodied with some age on it. The grape is also used in sparkling wines and dessert wines.
What are the Best Grüner Veltliner Wine Regions?
There are a few different regions in Austria that are known for their Grüner Veltliner wines. The most important region is the Wachau Valley, which is located in the northeastern part of the country on the Danube River.
The Wachau Valley (a UNESCO site) has a long history of viticulture, and it is one of the most prestigious wine regions in Austria. The vineyards in the Wachau Valley, many of them are terraced, and they are some of the most beautiful in the world. The Austrian wines from this region are typically dry, and have zesty citrus, with lots of minerality.
Another important Grüner Veltliner wine region is Kamptal, which is located just east of the Wachau Valley. The wines from Kamptal are typically lighter in body than those from the Wachau Valley, but they still have a lot of minerality.
Outside of Austria, there are a few other regions that are known for their Grüner Veltliner wines. The US, Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, and Slovakia all produce small amounts of the grape, but in my opinion the quality is not as high as it is in Austria yet.
What does Grüner Veltliner Taste Like?
Grüner Veltliner tastes of green apples, bright citrus fruits, herbs, minerals, and hints of spice and white pepper. The wine is often described as being “zesty” and “crisp”. It is a versatile food wine, and it pairs well with a variety of dishes. These wines should be enjoyed within two (2) years of bottling.
High-quality, oak-aged Grüner Veltliner can taste like honey, nuts, and even smoke. These more full-bodied, creamy, and complex wines are typically made in the Wachau Valley, and this type of Austrian wine can be cellared for several years.
What are my 7 Favorite Grüner Veltliner Under $25?
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At under $12, Gustav’s Grüner Veltliner is a great value wine, and it is one of my go-to wines. The wine is easy to drink, crisp and clean, with citrus flavors and just a hint of fizz.
A distinct mineral note with delicious freshness and a strong presence of fruit aromas of green apple, orange, melon, and pear. This is a solid wine that can be enjoyed with all types of food.
One of the most popular Grüner Veltliner’s in the US market today. You can find Domäne Wachau in many restaurants and wine stores. And it’s always a solid choice and a great example of Austrian Grüner Veltliner. It is structured, crisp, and zesty with fresh green apple, grapefruit, and herbs flavors.
This is a great Gruner for summertime picnics or to pair with lighter fare. It’s a liter (1L) size, so you get more bang for your buck. The wine has crisp citrusy fruit flavors, as well as good acidity for a hot summer day, and a mineral finish.
The wine is light, dry, with citrus flavors of lemon, lime, and grapefruit. There is a slight effervescence that works along with hints of white pepper. Just a great wine to pair with spicy food, as the acidity can help cut through the heat.
This is a great example of an orange wine, which is a white wine that has been made with extended skin contact. The result is a fresh and crisp wine with aromas and flavors of grapefruit, apricots, and honey. It’s definitely worth trying if you’re looking for something new.
This wine is a great example of what Kamptal Grüner Veltliner wine should taste like. The wine is dry, with fresh acidity and minerality. Flavors of pear, apricot, lemon peel, and herbs abound in this zesty and delicious wine. It’s a great value at under $20.
FAQs
What does Grüner Veltliner taste like?
Grüner Veltliner tastes of lean, citrus fruits, herbs, minerals, and white pepper. The wine is often described as being “zesty” and “crisp”. Some say it is a cross between Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio.
Is Grüner Veltliner wine good?
Yes, Grüner Veltliner wine is good. The grape is versatile and can be made into a variety of styles of wine.
Is Grüner Veltliner similar to Pinot Grigio?
Yes there are similarities to Pinot Grigio, as they are both light-bodied white wines, but Grüner Veltliner is typically more flavorful with more minerality.
Is Grüner Veltliner a Riesling?
No, Grüner Veltliner is not a Riesling. They are both white grapes, but they are different varietals. The Grüner Veltliner grape is not as resilient as Riesling and therefore needs a little more water. On the other hand, Riesling needs some stress in their vines to show off their true qualities and characteristics.
What food goes best with Grüner Veltliner?
Rich foods with spice and Austrian foods.
Traditional Austrian dish Weiner Schnitzel is made with thinly sliced veal cutlet. Try it with pate, caviar, sweetbreads, pork chops, grilled fish, or vegetables. Grüner Veltliner is a versatile food wine, and it pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Should Grüner Veltliner be Refrigerated?
Yes, before consuming Grüner Veltliners should be placed in the fridge for about an hour. And the optimal drinking temperature for Gruner Veltliner is 46-49 degrees F.
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