The 2011 Thiery-Weber Animo Gruner Veltliner is sourced from several vineyards in the Kremstal grape growing area in northeast Austria. Gruner Veltliner is THE White grape of Austria totaling 1/3 of all the grapes planted and the wines come in many different styles from age worthy Gruner to Sparkling Gruner Veltliner, the Animo Gruner is a young wine, easy to drink, but still food friendly. Thiery-Weber is a family owned and operated winery featuring 3 generations of winemakers. This Gruner Veltliner was fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks and the alcohol content is 12%.
The color is almost clear, extremely pale golden yellow with a green glow around the edges. The nose is crisp, tart apple,and a bouquet of flowers. This is a light bodied but full flavored wine. It starts with almost creamy Anjou pear and peaches followed by tart acidic citrus. The mid palate adds a nice touch of complexity with herbs, light peppery spice and a soft mineral sensation. The finish is subdued, but long lasting.
A young Gruner Veltliner, like this, is a wonderful summer wine, crisp and refreshing, with a little depth and complexity. If you get into a Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc rut, change things up with an Austrian or German Gruner Veltliner, it pairs with almost all the same foods as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and does an even better job out on the patio on a hot, humid summer night.
