There simply isn’t a better warm weather pool wine than the under-rated, under-appreciated grüner veltliner grape. Yes, the name is a mouthful and annoying to say, but the industry has handily shortened it to “grooner”, after the way it’s pronounced. And the eager Austrians sure do want you to try their fabulously tart grog. They’re even releasing affordable ones.
Grüner is like a cross between a New Zealand sauvignon blanc and a dry, fragrant riesling. This one from six-generation family-owned Laurenz V (pronounced “Five”) has a playfulness to it, starting off slakingly dry and exploding with white pepper and bright tropical flavors on the tongue. Finishes with lime and minerals. No sign of sweetness but it’s remarkably smooth and not overwhelmingly acidic. Fantastic wine for the price.
Read more about grüner veltliner
Sweetness: 1 out of 10
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Price: $15-$17
Occasion: Tried this at a wine festival.
Food pairing: Seafood dishes in light wine sauce, Asian cuisine with a little kick to it
Availability: Fine wine shops
Locally in Tampa Bay at Bern’s Fine Wines and Ed’s Fine Wines
