WineLife365

I was just saying the other day that 2011 has been one incredible journey into the great unknown.  One particular grape that really caught my attention in 2011 was Austria’s signature white grape, Grüner Veltliner.  After tasting so many wonderful expressions of Grüner Veltliner this past year, I have to say that I’m totally perplexed as to why this white wine has yet to find a bigger place in the hearts of white wine lovers.   Is it just the victim of an unpronounceable name or is it possibly just a lack of public awareness…maybe it’s a little of both?  Whatever it is, this is a badass white wine that typically has big citrus, white pepper and mineral characteristics that’s perfect for sipping all by itself, yet pairs like a dream with Asian dishes and healthy stuff like fish and vegetables.

On the 22^nd day of this 25 Days of Christmas countdown, there wasn’t any Silent Night being played by the two Grüners that paid us an early Christmas visit:  the  2010 Pfaffl Grüner Veltliner Wienviertel DAC Haidviertel (Sample, MSRP:  $25 US) and the 2009 Laurenz V. Charming Grüner Veltliner (Sample, MSRP:  $25 US).

We fed our two Austrian guests a heap of buttery peas, an assortment of Asian dumplings and large succulent shrimp…and they absolutely LOVED it, I tell you!

Made from 100%, hand harvested Grüner Veltliner grapes; the 2010 Pfaffl Grüner Veltliner Wienviertel DAC Haidviertel has an acidity level that’s off the charts!  It just smacks your eyes into the back of your head!  Toss in a touch of herbs with a peppery finish, and you have one hell of a refreshing and lively wine.  It’ll perk you up so much that you’ll want to replace your morning cup of coffee with it!

Our other Grüner Vetliner was Charming.  Seriously, it was the 2009 Laurenz V. Charming Grüner Veltliner.  Charming seems to be a bit of an understatement:  It had our tongues pulsating and shivering with its big and rich juicy fruit flavors, and smacked us senseless with its intense, white pepper and ginger finish.

I used to think that only New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs could make me shiver and quiver in my furry, moccasin slippers, but Holy Feast of St. Nicholas, you need to check out some Austrian Grüner Veltliners!

Frohe Weihnachten!