The Vine
May 31, 2008 05:00PM ● By Super Admin
Hopler 2006 Grüner
Veltliner, Austria
Austria (known for Mozart and its whirling nuns, a la The Sound of Music) has a little known white wine varietal called Grüner Veltliner, almost solely grown in Austria’s Rhine-like vineyards of the Danube, west of Vienna.
Never heard of Groovy Grüner? You’re not alone, but this often-overlooked varietal makes up over 35 percent of Austria’s total wine production, more than any other of its kind.
My favorite Austrian winery, Höpler, is located in Winden on the outskirts of Lake Neusiedl. The slate and calcium-rich soils of the area contribute to the complexity and originality of Höplers’ wines. Their Grüner has a lovely, light green tinge, yellow apple scents, and spicy hay flavors that are supported by a gentle acidity.
Grüner Veltliner is particularly tasty when served with cold starters, pastas and delicate salads, or as an aperitif. And when the dog days of summer hit, Grüner’s cool, refreshing citrus and apple notes could even make Julie Andrews swoon.
— Julie Moreland
Julie is owner & wine psychic of WineStyles – Granite Bay.
For more wine reviews, be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style-Roseville Granite Bay Rocklin edition. Click on the "Get Your Copy" link on the bottom of this page for some of our newsstand locations. Or, to order a copy of this issue, please email Gloria Schroeder at [email protected], or call her at 916-988-9888 x116.
Veltliner, Austria
Austria (known for Mozart and its whirling nuns, a la The Sound of Music) has a little known white wine varietal called Grüner Veltliner, almost solely grown in Austria’s Rhine-like vineyards of the Danube, west of Vienna.
Never heard of Groovy Grüner? You’re not alone, but this often-overlooked varietal makes up over 35 percent of Austria’s total wine production, more than any other of its kind.
My favorite Austrian winery, Höpler, is located in Winden on the outskirts of Lake Neusiedl. The slate and calcium-rich soils of the area contribute to the complexity and originality of Höplers’ wines. Their Grüner has a lovely, light green tinge, yellow apple scents, and spicy hay flavors that are supported by a gentle acidity.
Grüner Veltliner is particularly tasty when served with cold starters, pastas and delicate salads, or as an aperitif. And when the dog days of summer hit, Grüner’s cool, refreshing citrus and apple notes could even make Julie Andrews swoon.
— Julie Moreland
Julie is owner & wine psychic of WineStyles – Granite Bay.
For more wine reviews, be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style-Roseville Granite Bay Rocklin edition. Click on the "Get Your Copy" link on the bottom of this page for some of our newsstand locations. Or, to order a copy of this issue, please email Gloria Schroeder at [email protected], or call her at 916-988-9888 x116.