Grape · Austria
Grüner Veltliner
GROO-ner FELT-lee-ner
White pepper and lentil
Austria's signature white. From spritzy tavern wine to monumental Wachau Smaragd — always a thread of pepper, citrus, and green things.
- white pepper
- lentil
- grapefruit
- green apple
- radish
Profile
Bodymedium
Acidhigh
Sugardry
The pepper note is rotundone, the same compound as in Syrah. Light Grüner (Federspiel, light Kamptal) is the world's best asparagus wine. Smaragd and Reserve bottles take cellar time and roast pork.
Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, and Weinviertel each have a register. Skip the idea that Grüner is only a by-the-glass quaffer.
Wiener schnitzel, white asparagus, vegetable cooking, and spicy Southeast Asian food.
At the table
Service
46–52 °F (8–11 °C). Serious Smaragd a degree warmer in a wider glass.
