Tasting of Austrian Grüner Veltliner last night. The red wines and Rieslings are in separate threads.
2006 Ecker Grüner Veltliner
A liter bottling with a screwcap, the Ecker Grüner Veltliner is forward fruity with characteristic white pepper and also a hint of bubble gum. Very easy to drink, and a good value at $7.99 for the full liter.
2006 Joseph Schmid Pepino Cuvee
A blend of Grüner Veltliner, Muscat and Chardonnay that is effusively floral, but also carries and herbal tinge. I’m not convinced by the blend, as the pepperiness of the Grüner Veltliner is not the best match with the florality of the Muscat. $13.99 for 750ml of screwcapped wine.
2006 Hiedler Grüner Veltliner ‘Löss’
Classical light-style Grüner Veltliner. Light green fruitiness with pepper and grat freshness. Very easy to drink, and a great value for summer sipping. Blows the doors off the Pepino at the same $13.99.
2006 Huber Grüner Veltliner Obere Steigen
The most intensely peppery wine of the group so far, with an impression of warm herbs and green fruit (warm as in sunny, not as in alcoholic). There’s a yellow bell pepper note on the palate, and a slightly alcoholic finish detracts somewhat. $13.99
2006 Salomon Undhof Grüner Veltliner ‘Lindberg Reserve’
Fantastic wine, and a fitting tribute to the late Erich Salomon who passed away a few months ago. There’s tons of herbs and spice, but not just the classical white pepper. There’s brown spices in there too, and lots of lime and white peach fruit. Just delicious, and while it’s $34.99, it is still a world-class value considering the level of the wine. This is world class white wine.
