Weingut Geyerhof Grüner Veltliner Steinleithn 1ÖTW 2022

The Steinleithn vineyard, spanning 1.4 hectares and facing southwest, is characterized by its impoverished soil. The vineyard's name, with "Stein" translating to "stone," is apt given its scant topsoil. Beneath lies a core rich in feldspar, quartz, and mica, resulting in a late ripening, often not until November. While the common belief is that Grüner prefers moisture and Riesling shuns it, this site defies convention, striking a balance. Harvested later and fermented to dryness, the resulting wine boasts approximately 14% alcohol content. Yet, it leans toward savory notes without sacrificing acidity. Far from being a mere stand-in for Sauvignon Blanc, this Grüner pairs splendidly with hearty dishes like Tafelspitz (boiled beef) or roasted poultry. It's bracingly fresh and energetic, but it would stand to benefit enormously from some time in the cellar.