Austria is known to wine lovers as the home of Gruner Veltliner, a crisp refreshing white wine, incredibly versatile, producing "warm weather" sippers, food friendly wine, and some lusciously rich sweet wines.

Until the late 1980's, it was primarily used to make jug wines.  Today, it accounts for 37% of Austria's total vineyard area.  Most of the vines are in the wine region of NIEDEROSTERREICH, along the Danube River north of Vienna.

Styles to fit everyone's taste!   The lighter style is made with grapes that are harvested early and show aromas of gooseberry and lemony freshness.  Next, is the classic Gruner.  This one is the most food friendly with vibrant aromas and flavors of spice, herbs, cracked white pepper and exotic fruit.  Now we move on to the powerful Gruners.  These are made from grapes that have been harvested very late.  The wines are richer, fuller, spicier and creamier.  Aromas of pear, almond, dried fruit, honey, green tea, and juniper are frequently noted.  Sometimes they are aged in oak giving the wine a sweet and smoky note.

When pairing Gruner with food, remember the lighter fare such as summer salads.  They also work well with deep fried finger foods.  Don't forget the Austrian dish, Wiener Schnitzel.  Sushi, shrimp, roasted pork and soft goat's cheese are also a perfect match.

The big powerful Gruners are best with monkfish, swordfish, lobster and scallops. 

A little-known fact about Gruner is it's one of the few wines that go well with the hard to match foods such as artichokes and asparagus.