Wine Wednesday

House Wine Spring 2012

Hugl Gruner Veltliner

Austria

What the hell is that, you say?  It looks like a mouthful but it's actually pronounced just as you see it.  Grew-ner VELT-li-ner.  
Distinctive, delicious, and decidedly free of the "feline funk" quality I seem to be tiring of these days, Gruner is the perfect choice to stock your wine fridge with this season.  And most impressive is the price-pleasantly inexpensive at approximately $13.99 for a liter. Yes, a liter.  Don't be embarrassed about the size, it's quite appropriate to get a little extra bump for your buck so go ahead and indulge both yourself and your friends with one more pour from your purchase.  You deserve it.
I pulled out the super sized Hugl last weekend for a group and they all paused with a little, "ohhh, what is that?  I like that!"  Sold!  House wine decision confirmed.
Our weather here these last few weeks has been anything but typical so Gruner has been the perfect choice of late to quaff while sitting outside in the March sunshine. Gruner Veltliner is a grape indigenous to Austria that traces back to Roman times and possess a delightful minerality and tangy (but not tart) grapefruit quality that is superb on its own but is also an excellent accompaniment to food.  The marriage of a good Gruner with Asian spices, most notably lemongrass and coconut is most definitely one that your palate will remember.  Some of my most memorable food and wine combinations are Gruner Veltliner and Vietnamese food; the subtlety of the wine and the aromatic nature of the food just go so beautifully together. 

Whether you can pronounce it or not, I know you will enjoy this delicious little Austrian number.  It is sure to please both you and your guests, on it's own or with your favorite summer dish, which is why it is my top pick for the perfect spring house wine.  Available at France 44 in Edina.  


Cheers!