Grüner Veltiner “Grand Grü” Reserve 2018

Located in the true heart of the Austrian wine region in Langenlois, Karl Steininger 's estate sits on the majestic hill above the Kamp River , after which the region is named (Kamptal). The name of the vintage “ Grand Grü ” is a play on words evoking the name Grand Cru and the fact that it is a great Grüner Veltliner. The grapes selected for this wine come from the best vineyard of the estate. Once the ripe fruits are harvested and pressed, the juice ferments in stainless steel vats then stays in large acacia wood barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging. Then, the wine is aged for 10 months on lees in order to integrate all the aromatic components and gain texture. The wine reveals elegant notes of pear compote, hazelnut , dried herbs , pineapple , grapefruit , acacia honey , yellow fruits such as mirabelle plum , apricot and vine peach . The palate is round, juicy and very ripe accompanied by a fine and slender acidity. The finish is salivating, persistent and mineral.

For more than ten years, Austrian viticulture has made an enormous leap in terms of wine quality. Today, Austrian winemakers no longer produce cheap wines for mass consumption, but refined and complex wines. Austria produces 65% white wines. From a fairly global point of view, Austrian wines are more powerful and richer than those of its German neighbor. The great national grape variety and the most widely planted is Grüner Veltliner (native white grape variety). Red wine production continues to increase in volume, intensity and quality. Especially in Burgenland, producers make the most of an original grape variety combining local (Blaufränkish, Saint-Laurent, Zweigelt) and French (Cabernet-Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir) grape varieties. Austria's climate is predominantly continental with cold winters and warm summers. The country is subject to 4 main influences. To the east, continental influences coming from Pannonia, to the west Atlantic influences but also cold winds coming from the north and to the south Mediterranean influences. The Danube, which meanders languorously through many vineyards, brings numerous microclimates to the vineyards.