Getting to know GruV! Gruner Veltliner of course…
Gruner Veltliner is an uncommon grape outside of Austria. It is grown in Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic in Europe and in regions of the USA and Australia. It is most likely that Gruner Veltliner is native to Austria and was spread through neighbouring countries many centuries ago. It is unsurprising then, that Gruner Veltliner is considered one of the most important grapes in Austria. Almost a third of the vineyards there are planted with this variety.
However, in Austria it is used as a very versatile grape that makes wines ranging from dry white wines, to sparkling wines to dessert wines.
It is a great alternative for wine such as sauvignon blanc, riesling, fiano and viognier.
What does it taste like …
This white wine is often perfumed with floral spicy notes or more herbal aromas along with plenty of citrus or stonefruit fruitiness. Don’t be surprised if you find that some of the finer Gruner Veltliner wines have a distinct mineral edge too. It can produce richer and off dry styles as well as crisp and fresh dry wines. Also look for eisweins, Austria’s famed dessert wines, that feature this grape.
It is usually unoaked to maintain that fresh fruit but oaked versions can be found.
Something you didn’t know!
The name ‘GruV’ or Gru Ve has come about because some winelovers find it hard to pronounce this grape’s name – grew-ner velt-lee-ner. However, it has another name ‘Weissgipfler’ meaning ‘white tip’. This alternative name refers to the vines white woolly hairs on the tips of its shoots as the vine grows each spring.
What to pair this white wine with….
Gruner Veltliner are fresh, fragrant and fruity and have concentrated flavour.
Enjoy a dry or off dry style of this wine with classic Weiner Schnitzel and salad, or a creamy asparagus crepe. Or a baked white fish dish or chicken & haloumi are good matches too. Also some soft bloomy cheese such as Camembert or Brie and fresh cheese such as goats cheese.
Even just some homemade filo pastry feta and lemon triangles with some friends.
Wines to try….
The Franz & Friends Gruner Veltliner is available now for £11.99 click here to purchase!
Serve well chilled.
To read about Weingut Turk and the wine maker for Franz & Friends Gruner Veltliner, please click here.
