6MAR03 Höpler GRÜNER VELTLINER, Burgenland, Austria 2022
4 and 6 bottle levels $22 (member price $19)
100% Grüner Veltliner 12.5% ABV
Continuing our tour of wine regions surrounding the Alps, we’re now in Burgenland, in eastern Austria, not far from Hungary. Höpler is on the northwest shore of Lake Neusiedl, having moved because their volume meant they outgrew their original facility. Christof Höpler is the 2nd generation of this family owned winery, but the Höplers have been producing wine in Burgenland since the 1860’s. The family likes this area south of Vienna because they can grow a wide range of grapes. Grüner Veltliner is Austria’s signature varietal, and my tasting notes include “tangy as hell!” White peach, green apple, lime, white pepper. Aged in stainless steel.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
Enjoy this food friendly white with four cheese risotto, roasted cod with artichoke hash, freshly rolled sushi, zucchini linguine with herbs, pork tenderloin with coconut rice, herb-crusted chicken thighs with toasted farro and greens, fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits, and endive salad topped with grilled chicken and drizzled with creamy lime dressing. This versatile white is equally refreshing with regional specialties such as Austrian Wiener Schnitzel and sautéed kidneys, as it is with exotic cuisines like Japanese, Indian and Thai. Or simply savor this zippy white with fresh cheeses such as goat, young pecorino, mozzarella, Camembert and ricotta.