FJ Gritsch Gruner Veltliner Ried Steinporz 2023

Cellar for up to 15 years. Decanting is optional, up to an hour before serving. FJ Gritsch is a prestigious winery, located in one of the world’s finest white wine regions - Wachau Valley, a picturesque stretch of land carved out by the mighty Danube River. Franz-Josef Gritsch is the titular character and head wine-maker at the estate. During his tenure, he has racked up countless awards, including multiple medals across several years at the International Wine Challenge. The winery itself can be found in the small town of Spitz, surrounded by distinguished vineyards. Steinporz (the home of this single-vineyard wine) lies just 640 metres from the Danube. Its soils are rich in carbonate, imbuing the wine with precise acidity and layers of complexity. The first layer of this wine is a thick, pungent nose, bursting with notes of butter, brioche and lively citrus fruits. It shows considerable legs in the glass, which translates to a slightly syrupy mouthfeel. On the palate, this Gruner is a perfect balance of sweet, salty and tart. Look for zesty notes of lime, creamy butter, minerality, honeysuckle and hints of hazelnut. This wine can be aged for some time, and it will reward you for it. Consider pairing it with a tender cut of veal, or a classic Austrian pork sausage.

Price: £19.02 from 8wines UK