There isn’t a vegetable that doesn’t love Grüner Veltliner. Grüner Veltliner pairs beautifully with food.
So what is Grüner Veltliner? It is the indigenous white grape variety of Austria.The name may be intimidating but the grape is far from intimidating.
Grüner’s signature is a spicy, peppery nose, and it is remarkably easy to pair with food: It goes as well with meat as it does with fish or even vegetables.—especially notoriously difficult foods for wine, like asparagus and artichokes. With the month of May being Asparagus Month, it seems a good time to discuss it’s virtues.
Laurenz V. und Sophie Singing Grüner Veltliner 2009 imported by Opici Wine Group of Glen Rock, NJ is a prime example of Classic Grüner. Rated at 87 points by Falstaff, The Ultimate Austrian Wine Guide 2010/2011, Laurenz V is made by the Lenz Moser family, and the V indictes the fact that the current winemaker, Lenz M. Moser, is the fifth generation in the Moser wine dynasty. The winery focuses on a single wine variety—Grüner Veltliner. Lenz Moser III, the grandfather of Lenz M. Moser developed the Lenz Moser Hochkultur, or high culture, vine training system, which is still in use througout Austria.
Laurenz und Sophie Singing Grüner Veltliner is one of the two wines made by this winery. “Und Sophie” refers to Lenz Maria Moser’s daughter, Sophie, who was born in 1991 and is paving the way for the 6th generation of winemakers.
The grapes for the Singing Grüner come predominantly from the Kremstal area of lower Austria with a portion of the grapes coming from the Weinviertel region. This combination develops fresh, fruity flavors in grapes while maintaining excellent acidity.
White pepper is usually what distinguishes Grüner Veltliner; and this wine has an upfront spicy white peppery perfumed nose, with hints of peach, citrus, salad greens, lentils, and fresh green beans.
The first sip of this dry, light to medium bodied white yields apple, peach and citrus flavors along with a typical Veltliner spiciness and, most notably, hints of white pepper. The soft and juicy palate is supported by fine acidity.
Laurenz V. und Sophie Singing Grüner Veltliner is a great wine, and it’s incredibly versatile at the table. It lacks powerful aromas or flavors that need to be taken into consideration when pairing foods. The key aspects to think about are the bright acidity and slightly spicy kick of Grüner, which works with so many different foods.
The signature bright acidity helps cut through any fat and the spiciness provides both a delightful contrast and or compliment to a wide range of dishes. It’s perfect sipping with nibbles, with Asian, fish, pork and poultry dishes and don’t forget the artichokes and asparagus!.
Laurenz V was created for white wine lovers everywhere. As Lenz Maria Moser likes to say, “It sings on the palate!”
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