Tag Archives: austria

Glatzer Zweigelt Carnuntum Cuvée 2019, Austria

14 Saturday May 2022

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We went out to a fancy new restaurant (Lark) where the suggestion was to order several appetizers, some pasta dishes and finish with a main course.  We shared everything so there was a cornucopia of flavors ranging from grilled Octopus, salad, Gnocco with Ricotta and Parma, Raviolis and my Duck breast.  Such a varied range of food requires an open mind to wine choices.  Zweigelt, being a fairly light bodied wine with fresh red fruit and low tannins was the perfect match.  This Austrian varietal was developed as a crossing between Bläufrankish and St. Laurent.  This particular bottle was smooth with medium (-) tannins, medium acidity and light to medium body. Red fruit driven with tons of cherry, some red currant and a spice box note. As I drank this wine I also noted earth and leather notes. With a medium length finish this easy-drinking wine was delicious and complemented the meal to the T.  At retail it’s a $15 wine that gets 89 points from me.  I would probably not sit on it for long as it has a great freshness and lacks sufficient structure to cellar.  4 stars- pair with lighter dishes and white meats.  Salut….

Weingut Turk Eiswein vom Gruner Veltliner 2018, Niederosterreich, Austria

27 Sunday Mar 2022

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Grüner Veltliner Eiswein is a new one for me.  This one is deep gold in the glass with a watery sheen highlighting the relatively low 8% ABV.  The nose is exquisite- pronounced aromas of stewed apricots, grilled honey, mango, geranium, almond slivers, white peach, mandarin orange peel and bananas foster.  Stunning.  The palate is lusciously sweet.  Low acidity, full bodied, unctuous and simply delicious.  The primary flavor I get is stewed stone fruit, with honey in abundance.  Floral notes, nutty nuance and a hint of mango and orange citrus makes for a yummy experience.  This is spectacular.  98 points was awarded by one pro.  I have to agree.  This $50 sticky is amazing and gets 5 stars.  I feel it will drink well till 2035.  #blownaway.  Salut….

Weingut Laurenz V. ‘Singing’ Gruner Veltliner 2018, Niederosterreich, Austria

06 Sunday Mar 2022

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Yesterday was Moxie’s birthday.  Two of our sons snuck in for the celebration- one from Montreal, the other from D.C.  In planning for #3 to return to Canada he needed a COVID test, so I booked one at 5:30 and then a table for the six of us shortly thereafter.  One glimpse at the menu told me I needed a crisp white to go with the grilled Trout mains I was about to order.  This one did not disappoint, albeit the first impression was a bit shocking.

It pours a medium lemon color with barely a shimmer in the glass due to the low 12% ABV.  The nose has interesting aromas of lemon, grapefruit, tangerine, ginger and orange blossom.  The palate is where I nearly regretted my choice- the wine is a touch sweet, as in off-dry.  I was hoping for a crisp, dry white.  Alas, I was not disappointed.  The citrus flavors were ever present, as was a spritz of lemon that I found interesting.  The (candied) ginger is probably what I sensed as a sweet component, though with such low alcohol, there could well be residual sugar present.  I found the wine to be quite refreshing thanks to the spritz and medium body.  The flavors are present but not cloying, the acidity is medium (+) and not cutting.  The finish might be short, but it is mouth puckering and makes me long for another taste.  This is a great white wine varietal to explore with fish, chicken, shellfish and vegetarian dishes laced with savory spices.  I like this $16 bottle that gets 89 points and 4 stars from me.  Drink soon.  Salut….

Pfaffl ‘Vom Haus’ Zweigelt 2015, Niederosterreich, Austria

10 Thursday Sep 2020

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I have never tasted a Zweigelt before- so I am excited.  This one rolled in at $15 but I am concerned about seepage.  I know screw caps are supposed to be invincible but this one was wet with a thick purple liquid on the inside of the screw cap.

The color is nice- rich purple.  The nose is interesting, a melding of black cherry, charred oak, red currants and rhubarb.  On the palate it is very fruit forward with very lithe tannins.  It’s quite focused on red fruit flavors and some star anise.  Mid palate-wise there’s a new twist with some cocoa dust, rhubarb and juicy acidity.  The finish is decent in length and has a nice tannic streak that leaves my mouth a touch dry.  Very nicely balanced.  It’s not a very complex wine but it drinks well and would pair great with Duck l’Orange, marinated Sirloin or Lamb chops.  My inexperience with this Austrian varietal makes it difficult to score but I would say it gets 89 points, with a drinking window until 2025.  4 Stars, Salut….

Domäne Wachau – Freie Weingartner Terrassen Gruner Veltliner Federspiel 2018, Wachau, Austria

29 Wednesday Jul 2020

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Pale shade of yellow, this Austrian native kicked off the Virtual Wine Tasting Company’s 6th event.  We drank it at room temp as well as chilled.  I did not think it performed well at the tasting and am now re-tasting the following night indoors.  The nose exhibits tons of citrus, some lanolin and green apple.  The palate has minerality and a nice acidic cut.  Lemon/lime like a 7-Up alongside an austere green streak that make this a very sharp wine.  It cuts in the right places and refreshes as it goes.  I did not care for it initially, but I now think it fits the billing for a decent, inexpensive Gruner.  The finish is very refreshing and would pair well with seafood, perhaps a spicy Arrabiata but it will shine poolside on a hot day.  88 points and 3 stars for this $15 white.  Salut….