Grüner Veltliner

Origin / Distribution

The exact origin of Grüner Veltliner is unknown and can’t be accurately traced for centuries.

Although evidence exists from the Roman era, Grüner Veltliner was first documented in the 18^th century, north of the Danube River in Lower Austria in the neighbouring wine-growing areas of March and Thaya, as well as in the vicinity of Manhartsberg. Grüner Veltliner was traded as a new variety that was principally distributed in the vicinity of Retz (Babo/Mach).

It was often falsely referred to as Grüner Muskateller, sometimes even until 1930.

Austria’s flagship variety began to triumph in the 1950s thanks to Lenz Moser’s high vine training system. Despite this, the former name “Mounhartsrebe” indicates an earlier distribution or origin in the area of Manhartsberg. Contrary to its name, Grüner Veltliner is not botanically related to the Veltliner family.

Nowhere are the climate and soil conditions more ideal for Grüner Veltliner than in northeast Austria. This explains why it is so prolific in the Weinviertel, Kamptal, Kremstal, Donauland and Wachau. The grape is also cultivated in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Balkan (Croatia) and there are a few hectares in Germany and elsewhere in the world.

Bouquet, Flavour

Peppery spice, fruit, usually vinified dry. The style spectrum is very broad, ranging from lively, light wines that are often drunk young, all the way to substantial, botrytized sweet wines or ice wines that can age very long.