Grape Of The Week: Roter Veltliner
Unrelated to Grüner Veltliner, Roter Veltliner is one of the 22 white wine varietals permitted to make Austrian wine. The parent grape of the Veltliner family, Roter Veltliner is mainly grown in Niederösterreich, Austria - specifically in the subregions of Wagram, Kamptal, and Kremstal - spanning across a little under 200 hectares. Much like Pinot Gris, Roter Veltliner’s skin reddens as it ripens, but it produces delicious full-bodied white wines that can have notes of fresh acidity, subtle spice, and slight nuttiness as the wine ages. Roter Veltliner is fantastic alongside shellfish, roasted pork, and schnitzel.
Famile Bauer ‘Urig’ Roter Veltliner 2021
Roter Veltliner is known for its delicate notes of rose and mint, flavors that shine in this natural wine from Austria’s Familie Bauer. Pear and yellow plum blossom on the palate, backed by freshness, minerality, and a long, harmonious finish. This wine is a great opener for any meal and as a stand-alone sipper on a cool evening.
Photo Credit: Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Grapevine Breeding Geilweilerhof - 76833 Siebeldingen, GERMANY