2008 Berger Gruner Veltliner, Austria
August 13, 2009 by Derek Swanson
This week’s pick comes from Inez Ribustello of On The Square in Tarboro, NC. Inez was recently honored in the American Sommelier Association’s Best Sommelier in America competition. ”Right now, I’m super hot on Berger Gruner Veltliner from Niederösterreich, Austria. It comes in a liter bottle and has a pop top cap that is perfect for a quick opening. Flavors of pink grapefruit, sweet pea and wet stones; it is crisp, refreshing and perfect for summer salads that combine fresh tomatoes, sweet corn and champagne vinaigrette,” said Inez. This Austrian white is widely available for less than $14.
Inez and her husband Stephen have been infusing New York flair into southern dishes at On The Square since 2002. Inez described herself as a wine “bargain hunter” in a recent Wine Spectator article. There are plenty of bargains on her wine list, which recently garnered Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence; bottles on their list are marked up only$5 over retail.
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I like this Gruner and think it’s attractively-priced for a wine drinker just getting to know Austria’s most planted varietal. And with summer winding down, but staying just as hot, it’s a refreshing alternative to Chardonnary and Riesling.
Look to Austria’s lesser-know, but equally powerful reds for the coming colder months.