2012 Weingut Ingrid Groiss, Roter Veltliner Reserve, Niederosterreich, Austrian White Wine.
Roter Veltliner is believed to be an ancient varietal, once thought to be related to Gruner Veltliner, but which since has been proven not to be and sometimes referred to as a Roter Muskateller it is a grey/pinkish (skin) berried grape found in Austria, on the vine it may look like Pinot Gris, and it is usually is made into blended white wines. Ingrid Groiss has made a beauty single varietal, her 2012 Roter Veltliner is the best example I’ve tried, and I bet her 2013 will eclipse this, if vintage quality is anything to go by. This is exciting and vibrant wine that is tangy dry with a pale golden hue, starting with hints of hay and herb, delicate rose petal and citrus leading to brisk mouth watering palate of peach, lemon, verbena, apricot flesh and stone, steeliness and subtle tropical notes along wet stones, it later unfolds with tart white cherry, chalk and mineral tones. While some 2012 Austrian wines have a slight dullness, this Groiss Roter stays vital and focused, this is a wonderful dry white that shows nice savory elements, lively character and drive. Like Sylvaner from Alsace in many ways in has less intensity than Riesling, with notes a bit like Melon (Muscadet) too, and a touch softer than Gruner Gruner Veltliner it still gives complex layers and has balanced extract and vitality, this is lovely stuff, no question Ingrid Groiss is a star! Perfect for summer sipping, great with oysters, seafood or goat cheese, drink this if you can find it over the next 2 to 5 years, Groiss wines are rare in the states, but they are worth the search!
($36 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
