august 2005: austrian inspiration

woman on wine with amy reiley Austria is an insanely raw and stunning nation with temperatures of extremes. Let it be no surprise that wines coming from this beautiful land are equally exquisite and perfectly proportioned to take the edge off the summer heat as well as heat up those Alpine winter nights.

Brundlmayer 2004 Gruner Veltliner Kamptaler Terrassen
If Gruner Veltliner, the signature Austrian grape, had a textbook flavor, this would be it. Its aromas are sweetly floral, flavors restrained but distinctly tropical and a clean mineral finish give you more than you could ever hope to ask from the “gru-vee” grape. $$$
Brundlmayer 2004 Gruner Veltliner “Ried Lamm”
Like a silky, sweet caress, this wine just feels good going down. Subtle aromas and flavors range from wild grape to licorice to lemon pie and a hint of spice. $$$
Brundlmayer 2004 Riesling Steinmassel
This is a gorgeous, voluptuous wine that teases the senses with its sweet and tart interplay. Faintly herbal in aromas, its flavors are brimming over with allspice, anise seed, lemongrass and honeysuckle. $$$
Hofer 2004 Gruner Veltliner Weinviertel DAC
Imagine a wine to be like that woman with a little edge whose softer side can take some time to show. If that woman were a wine, this would be her. A little weedy in aroma and clensingly astringent, it is just the kind of wine to accompany and showcase a stellar meal. $$
L. Hiedler 2004 Gruner Veltliner “Loess”
This wine is startlingly similar to a fine Chablis in its body and balance. With its honeyed floral aromas and lime and mineral finish it is a sensual, elegant glass of wine. $$
Nigl 2004 Riesling Kremser Privat
Like drenching your tongue in a bath of stone fruit juice, this wine washes the senses with the essence of dried apricot and white peach. $$$$
Nikolaihof 1999 Riesling Im Weingerbirge “Jungfernwein”
Sexy, semi-sparkling and altogether unique, this wine offers an unparalleled sensory experience as tiny bubbles brimming with wild grape, petrol and the tang of blue cheese explode on the tongue. $$$$

Schloss Gobelsburg 2004 Gruner Veltliner “Cobelsburger”
A wine as breathtakingly pretty as a bouquet of fresh cut flowers, its aromas are almost identical in nuance and complexity to the smells of a field of Alpine wildflowers. $$

Setzer 2004 Gruner Veltliner “8000”
If ever a “gru-vee” were an aphrodisiac, this wine would be it. Packed with anise seed aromas and sweaty, feral characteristics, it is a lusty drink. $$$
$ under 15USD
$$ 15-25USD
$$$ 25-50USD
$$$$ over 50USD