Grape Variety
Gruner-Veltliner
"GROO-ner VELT-lee-ner"
Wine Styles
Sparkling
Light White
Full White
Aromatic
Rosé
Light Red
Medium Red
Full Red
DessertAbout Gruner-Veltliner
Origin
Austria
History
Grüner Veltliner is Austria's most widely planted grape variety, accounting for approximately 32.6% of the country's vineyards. It became particularly widespread during the 1950s with the introduction of Lenz Moser’s high vine training system. The grape is believed to have a parentage that includes Traminer and St. Georgener-Rebe. While primarily associated with Austria, Grüner Veltliner is also cultivated in neighboring countries such as Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
Appearance
Yellow-green berries forming long but compact clusters.
Growing Traits
Grüner Veltliner thrives in the loess soils of Austria's Niederösterreich region and is well-suited to the country's cool climate. The grape ripens in mid to late October in the Northern Hemisphere and is known for its versatility, producing wines ranging from light and zesty to rich and age-worthy. It is also notable for its ability to express terroir, reflecting the characteristics of the soil and climate in which it is grown.
Wine Characteristics
Body
3/5
Sweetness
1/5
Tannin
0/5
Acidity
5/5
Alcohol
3/5
Medium-bodied with a crisp and vibrant character, offering a harmonious balance of fruit and spice. Typically dry, though some off-dry styles are produced, especially in late-harvest wines. Negligible tannins, as it is a white wine variety, resulting in a smooth and clean finish. High acidity, contributing to its freshness and enhancing its aging potential. Moderate alcohol content, typically ranging between 11.5% and 13.5%, providing a balanced and refreshing character.
Taste Profile
Green Apple
Lime
White Pepper
Herbal
Mineral
Grüner Veltliner wines are characterized by flavors of green apple and lime, complemented by distinctive notes of white pepper and fresh herbs. The high acidity provides a crisp and refreshing mouthfeel, while the mineral undertones add complexity to the palate. In more concentrated examples, especially from regions like Wachau, the wines can exhibit a rich texture with hints of stone fruit and a lingering finish.
Food Pairing
Grüner Veltliner's high acidity and distinctive peppery notes make it an excellent companion for a variety of dishes. It pairs well with seafood, particularly shellfish and sushi, as well as light salads and vegetable dishes. The wine's subtle spice complements Asian cuisine, including Thai and Vietnamese dishes, and it is famously known to pair well with challenging vegetables like asparagus and artichokes.
Growing Regions
Austria
WachauKamptalKremstalWeinviertel
Czech Republic
Moravia
Slovakia
Little Carpathians
United States
OregonCalifornia
Australia
Adelaide Hills
Notable Wines & Producers
Prager Hinter der Burg Federspiel Grüner Veltliner
Weingut Prager
F.X. Pichler 'M' Grüner Veltliner Smaragd
F.X. Pichler
Weingut Bründlmayer Grüner Veltliner Kamptal Terrassen
Weingut Bründlmayer
Gruner-Veltliner FAQ
Common questions about this grape variety
What is the origin of Gruner-Veltliner?
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Austria
Is Gruner-Veltliner wine full bodied?
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Gruner-Veltliner has a body level of 3 out of 5. Which means that Gruner-Veltliner is Moderate bodied.
Is Gruner-Veltliner wine dry or sweet?
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Gruner-Veltliner has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Gruner-Veltliner is Dry.
Where is Gruner-Veltliner wine from?
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Austria
Where is Gruner-Veltliner grown?
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Gruner-Veltliner is grown in Austria (Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, Weinviertel)Czech Republic (Moravia)Slovakia (Little Carpathians)United States (Oregon, California)Australia (Adelaide Hills).
What is Gruner-Veltliner like?
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Grüner Veltliner wines are characterized by flavors of green apple and lime, complemented by distinctive notes of white pepper and fresh herbs. The high acidity provides a crisp and refreshing mouthfeel, while the mineral undertones add complexity to the palate. In more concentrated examples, especially from regions like Wachau, the wines can exhibit a rich texture with hints of stone fruit and a lingering finish.
What does Gruner-Veltliner pair with?
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Grüner Veltliner's high acidity and distinctive peppery notes make it an excellent companion for a variety of dishes. It pairs well with seafood, particularly shellfish and sushi, as well as light salads and vegetable dishes. The wine's subtle spice complements Asian cuisine, including Thai and Vietnamese dishes, and it is famously known to pair well with challenging vegetables like asparagus and artichokes.
What does Gruner-Veltliner taste like?
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Grüner Veltliner wines are characterized by flavors of green apple and lime, complemented by distinctive notes of white pepper and fresh herbs. The high acidity provides a crisp and refreshing mouthfeel, while the mineral undertones add complexity to the palate. In more concentrated examples, especially from regions like Wachau, the wines can exhibit a rich texture with hints of stone fruit and a lingering finish.
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