Grüner Veltliner: Prince of Austrian Wine

Let's explore the European map of wine producers a little; many wine-producing countries from the old continent have based their wine producing industry on the high quality of their grapes, which are still used today and present a sort of national mark for the country. For example, Austria. Austrian wines are generally dry white wines, made from the Gruner Veltliner grape. How to describe the Gruner Veltliner grape? Well, go back in royal Austria, ruled by the Habsburgs for more than 700 years. And if Austrian white wines are described like this royal dynasty, than the Gruner Veltliner wine would be the crown prince among them all. 

It's interesting how versatile this wine can be; when you take a sip and bring it to your nose, you'll feel all kinds of tastes and scents, starting from lime notes, than spicy ginger, and grapefruit to Brazilian nuts. The  Gruner Veltliner wine is very acidic, a little zesty and zingy on the tongue. It's probably what makes it so royal; there are plenty of things to be felt once you try this wine. Plus, the wine is light and spitzy ( or, as the Austrians would say 'spritzig' ). Another thing goof to know is that these aromas show  in the later stages of aging, not in the yearly years. 

As mentioned, the wine is incredibly versatile; so you can take it with a wide variety of food. Have in mind that  Gruner Veltliner is a wine best taken when aged for a considerable amount of time; too young can still be good, but to experience all the royal nuances, you should take it a little aged. If aged properly, the wine becomes mellow and enriches its structure even more. Like this and with all its versatility, the Gruner Veltliner  is a category of its own; it can be taken with everything! From a juicy grilled steak, to seafood and grilled vegetables including asparagus and artichokes. 

Labels. Austrian wine labeling system is very old, and to be honest it won't really be of any use when you sit in an Austrian cafe and order a piece of their famous cakes and a glass of their best wine. The long name will also hit your nerve, since Austrians have a really hard to pronounce language. Veltliner? What does that even mean? Simply ignore it. Just call it Gruner.