Grüner Veltliner
Austria's signature white: crisp, peppery and green-apple fresh. American growers in the Finger Lakes, Michigan, Oregon and Virginia have taken to it.
Grüner Veltliner is Austria's most important white grape. It's known for crisp, dry wines with green apple, citrus and a distinctive twist of white pepper. Over the past two decades American growers in cool climates have planted it with enthusiasm, and it has become a sommelier favorite on restaurant lists from New York to Portland.
What It Tastes Like
Classic Grüner is light to medium-bodied, with green apple, lime, white pepper and a green, herbal note reminiscent of snap peas or celery. The acidity is crisp. Riper or barrel-aged versions take on peach, honeydew and a creamy texture. It's one of the most food-friendly whites around and famously handles hard-to-pair vegetables like artichokes and asparagus.
Where It Grows
In the U.S., Grüner Veltliner has found homes in the Finger Lakes, northern Michigan (especially the Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula), Oregon's Willamette Valley, Washington, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, plus scattered cool sites in California.
What to Look For
- Dry, unoaked Grüner for the classic peppery, citrus style.
- Reserve or barrel-aged Grüner for a richer take.
- Sparkling Grüner, crisp and refreshing.
Where to Find Grüner Veltliner
Wine regions on American Winery Guide where Grüner Veltliner is grown or poured: