After last week's great red and unexpected food pairing (see my Pasico Old Vine review), I decided to stay with Sainsbury's and for £8, delved into their 'Taste The Difference' range. My choice is the Austrian Gruner Veltliner.
Because the decision making process I go through on a bottle of wine is a pleasurable agony, I generally avoid branding which takes the risk out of this process. In the case of Sainsbury's, it is the iconic purple band of the 'Taste the Difference' range which is emblazoned on the products that Sainsbury's want you to know they've gone the extra mile on.
I appreciate however, that others do not care to spend the same amount of time agonising over what bottles to buy and would rather be in and out of the shop before the parking attendant has realised there isn't a parking ticket in the car, or the kids have worked out how to release the handbrake. The purple band therefore becomes a beacon of what should be on the whole, a safe but enjoyable purchase. Considering the hurried purchaser, I bought this bottle.
Gruner Veltliner is the synonymous grape variety associated with Austria and makes up almost half of their plantings. Like most varieties, it is also grown in other countries, such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia and some other choice 'New Worlds'. The past couple of decades have seen a real push in the quality and publicity of this grape with some varietals proving their worth by going head to head with comparable Chardonnays and Chenin Blancs, often coming out on top.
On the nose, this wine faintly retains the characteristic aroma of white pepper with floral undertones. Taking my time, I could also detect an earthen quality, possibly clay. The taste is crisp and immediately acidic, bringing grapefruit to the first attack. What follows is dry with reminiscences of apple and celery. The aftertaste is short and leaves an acidic note on the tongue.
A great alternative to try for those of you that love tangy, crisp dry wines. And are in a hurry!
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