WINE REVIEWS: Grüner veltliner

Anyone looking for the next fashion in wine should not bypass grüner veltliner (aka gru-vee, an exciting white grape variety from Austria) which is now being grown here. It's complex, full-flavoured with lovely spicy fruit, hints of fresh brioche and nuts and sometimes pepper.

BEST UNDER $20

Yealands Estate Marlborough  Gruner Veltliner 2011, $19.95

Three and a half stars (out of five)
Good value

Lovely fruit fragrance with bright floral notes and underlying hints of freshly baked brioche,
mouthfilling, firm and textural with a dry finish.

www.yealands.com

 


Saint Clair Marlborough Gruner Veltliner 2011, $21.50

Three and half stars (out of five)
Good value

With floral aromas, oodles of vibrant fruit suggesting stewed quince and nectarine, and
undertones of brioche and nuts, this is mouthfilling with a precise, focused  finish.

www.saintclair.co.nz

 


Bannock Brae Marlene's Central Otago Gruner Veltliner 2011, $28

Four stars (out of five)
Good value

Fragrant with hints of caramelised peaches and quince, undertones of freshly baked, buttery
croissants, an attractive, dry finish and a long aftertaste.

www.bannockbrae.co.nz



Forrest Marlborough Chenin Blanc 2010, $25

Three and a half stars (out of five)
Average value

A lovely example of a chenin (a variety originally from the Loire Valley,  France) with
charming suggestions of apples and ripe stone fruit, a light sweetness and a long, crisp, dry
finish. Chenin Blanc can be long lived.

www.forrest.co.nz

 


Te Mania Koha Nelson Ice Wine  2011, $22 375ml

Three stars (out of five)
Average value

Fragrant and suggesting crisp, sweet, dried apple, this dessert riesling is textural, sweet and
concentrated with a nicely balanced acidity on the finish.

www.temaniawines.co.nz

 


Tohu Limited Release Raiha Reserve Noble Riesling 2011, $28

Four stars (out of five)
Average value

Fragrant with honey and dried apricots characteristic of  botrytised riesling, this wine is
richly concentrate and textural, intensely sweet but with a well balanced finish.

www.tohuwines.co.nz


ANOTHER GLASS

Akarua Noir Ice 2011, $40 375ml

Three and a half stars (out of five)
Below average value

A smartly packaged, unusual dessert wine made from pinot noir in a low-alcohol style more
commonly used with riesling. Light aromas of strawberry and perhaps cherry, an oily, unctuous
texture and very sweet, slightly toffeeish finish. Serve well chilled.

www.akarua.com



Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tasting
and evaluation is subjective. These are personal recommendations.


charmian.smith@odt.co.nz

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