Hailed as "the next great white wine" for several years now, with the drumbeats really rolling lately, Gruner Veltliner certainly brings a lot to the table.
Some are getting so chummy with the variety they have taken to referring to it as "Gru-Vee." I tried that at the Veranda Room at Casa del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica recently and felt rather foolish when the waitress registered a complete blank. I quickly recovered, ordered "the Ecker Gruner" and got the evening back on track.
The wine is widely regarded as one of the better "cheap wines." $10 per glass is pretty cheap at the Veranda Room, and I would imagine a bottle of the stuff goes for less than that.
I liked the stoney minerality right away, but also enjoyed a floral quality on the nose and palate that complemented rather than competed with the tartness. A nice acidity told me this Gruner won't be satisfied relegated to the porch or patio all summer. It will want to be up on the table, if not for dinner, at least for lunch.
Variety: Gruner Veltliner
Appellation: Austria > Donauland
Vintage: 2007
Alcohol Level: 12% abv
Price: $10/glass
Acquisition disclaimer: Purchased by the author, by the glass
Appellation: Austria > Donauland
Vintage: 2007
Alcohol Level: 12% abv
Price: $10/glass
Acquisition disclaimer: Purchased by the author, by the glass
