Felsner 'Moosburgerin' Gruner Veltliner 2009

I'm kind of losing patience with this variety. It tastes like pears, like a non-fizzy version of Prosecco. I'm not sure why it's so fashionable. Perhaps it can be viewed as neutral - it does resemble a well-made Pinot Grigio (not a bad thing).

I have to say I like that quote from the Psalms on their website...

Felsner

'Moosburgerin' Gruner Veltliner 2009

Niederosterreich, Austria

Waitrose

£7.49 (£9.99)

3/5

Domaine Gobelsburg Gruner Veltliner 2008

I've been trying Gruner Veltliner whenever possible these days, as it's becoming more popular (at least in Waitrose), and I need to make up for years of neglect.

This one was actually recommended by Jane MacQuitty of The Times. OK, it was in the 'best whites for under £6' section, but it's pretty disappointing. 'White pepper and lemon-peel charged'? It certainly is not. It tastes more like a cheap Muscat or Chilean Sauvignon Blanc that you'd get in a Laithwaites '4 Seasons' mixed case. It's nothing like the similarly priced, award-winning Domane Wachau offering that knocks the socks off this.

Steer clear - this is plonk.

Domaine Gobelsburg

Gruner Veltliner 2008

Kamptal, Lower Austria

Waitrose

£5.99 (£8.49)

2/5

Domane Wachau "Terraces" Gruner Veltiner 2008

As mentioned in the previous post, Waitrose is currently running a "World of Wine Showcase". This Austrian Gruner grabbed my attention thanks to the Decanter World Wine Awards Trophy sticker on the neck of the bottle.

I don't know exactly what the trophy was for (because I STILL haven't received my copy of the DWWA issue in the post, and I don't want to peek), but I'm guessing it's for some sort of under £10 category.*

I wasn't really sure what to expect with this, as I've only tried one other Gruner Veltliner before. It's funny reading that post as I had forgotten what I had written, and there are similarities to this one.

However, while I said that one resembled a "boring Alsatian wine", this one also resembles an Alsatian wine, namely Pinot Gris, and it's not boring. It has more pronounced flavours and a little more character than the Sainsbury's offering. It's an apple/pear/citrus mixture, with a cidery finish and a bit of texture. I wouldn't say I'm floored by it, but it's enjoyable.

I think I might have erred with the food pairing as well. Both of these Gruners that I've tried I've served with a spicy Chinese chicken dish, but I'm not sure it's suited to that (off-dry Riesling has that sewn up). I think it would be better with something milder.

* UPDATE - I peeked. The trophy was for the Austria White Under £10 category.

Domane Wachau

"Terraces" Gruner Veltliner 2008

Waitrose

£5.99 (£7.99)

3/5

Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Grüner Veltliner 2007

According to the wine press, this Austrian grape is taking the world by storm. It's hip, it's cool, and everybody who's somebody is either drinking it or serving it in their restaurant.

I tried this effort by Sainsbury's last year, and to be honest it didn't make that much of an impression on me. Upon seeing it awarded 4 stars and a "best value" award in a recent Decanter blind tasting, I decided to give it another try.

My opinion is unchanged. It's OK, but just not a big deal. It has a bit of texture, a touch of sweetness (just a touch, it's a dry wine), and a slight bit of pear/citrus fruit. To me, it resembles a boring Alsatian wine. I just didn't think it had that much character to it.

Sainbury's

Taste the Difference Gruner Veltliner 2007

Austria

£7.99

3/5