A varietal that is probably Austria’s ‘national grape’ (like Sauvignon Blanc is to NZ). With not much of it grown locally, it is tricky one to track down – this one comes from the organic Morrison Vineyard at Pisa in Central Otago. A pale golden-green in the glass. It has an enticing perfume of nectarine, pear, dried pineapple and yellow plum, with a trademark white pepper note and a burst of lemon blossom floral on the nose. Dry and medium bodied, the acidity is vivacious, lifting those juicy fruit flavours on the palate. A touch of crushed shell minerality alongside that phenolic pithyness, and it has a very smooth, lush texture throughout. A gentle spice carries into the finish. A great food-friendly wine, and one that will age well, fattening up with some cellaring. 91pts
Mount Edward Grüner Veltliner 2017
