As I march along in my goal of drinking more bubbly in 2010 (I’m kicking ass at this goal by the way!) I thought I’d bring you something totally different. Matt and I wandered over to the Curious Grape in Shirlington a few weeks ago for a tasting (sadly, we had trouble finding parking due to the snow and arrived a few minutes late and they had already started and wouldn’t let us join in) so we just grabbed a couple bottles of wine and ran. Like I’ve said before, I have trouble going into a wine shop and not buying something. It’s a good thing wine is consumable, otherwise I’d probably be on my way to being on that “Hoarders” tv show. What caught my eye this time was a sparkling Gruner Veltliner. I had to pick up this oddball and give it a shot! The NV Steininger Sparkling Gruner Veltliner clocked in at 13% alcohol by volume, had a typical Champagne closure, and cost me $25.
On the nose I found lemon, stone, honey, cream, pineapple, wax, lychee, and white pepper. In the mouth, this wine struck me as very tropical. I got notes of lychee, white pepper (tons of white pepper), exotic spices, and a slight citrusy feel. I kept thinking I had a mouthful of Pop Rocks as I could hear the wine fizzing in my mouth as I drank it. I really enjoyed this sparkler, I would definitely get it again, especially to toss in at a sparkling tasting for something completely different.
Filed under: Austria, Curious Grape, Gruner Veltliner, Sparkling wine, White, Wine |
Wannabe Wino Wine Blog 
Would have NEVER thought Gruner would come in a “sparkler”. Will have to see if I can find one. Thanks!
Hey Gruner Fans,
I’m Dave, I work with the Austrian Wine Marketing Board. In preparation for
upcoming tastings in NY and San Francisco we are having a slogan contest
aiding us in building awareness of Austrian Wines. Tweet us an original
Slogan @AustrianWine, and the best one gets a CASE of one of your favorite wines Gruner Veltliner!
Check out what we have so far so you understand what we are going for. Thanks, I look forward to seeing what you got!
http://www.austriauncorked.com/#goto=uncorked-ad-campaign—win-free-wine