Grüner Veltliner

TL; DR

Austria's best known grape, a zingy white of great character

So, what is it?--red

Grüner Veltliner is a really intriguing grape - when young, it's fresh and tangy, and could be compared to Riesling. With age it turns round and powerful, and looks more akin to Chardonnay! Always shows a distinct watercress or radish character as well.

Where does it come from?--aromatic

This is an Austrian native, and is grown all over the country. Rarely found elsewhere however - occasionally in northern Italy and western Hungary, and slowly popping up in Australia and New Zealand!

Who's famous for it?--racy

Austria - Weinvertel, Wachau

Italy - Alto Adige

Hungary - Lake Balaton

Australia - Adelaide Hills, Canberra

What does it taste like?--aromatic

The main fruits here are grapefruit and lemon, with some crunchy green apple and a hint of mandarin sometimes evident. More telltale are the savoury characters - look for celery, radish, watercress or even lentil. Zingy acid and a pepperiness make it stand out.

Main styles it's known for?--cellar

Either lean and vibrant (Riesling-esque) or harvested later and thus broad and powerful, but always with that tang to it.

What foods should you be pairing it with?--plum

The 'green' flavours in the wine (lime, celery etc) work wonderfully with green vegetables, asparagus etc, whilst the acidity and the spice mean that it can stand up to gently spiced Asian cuisines.

Fun fact--earth

Grüner is seen as a grape with a big future, especially in Australia and New Zealand, where it has been planted enthusiastically over the past few years.

If you like this, you should also give these grapes a guzzle...--wines

Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling