WHAT IS GRÜNER VELTLINER? THE AUSTRIA WHITE WINE YOU NEED TO KNOW

Grüner Veltliner is one of the world's great white wine grapes. It is also one of the least known outside of Austria, where it accounts for nearly a third of all wine produced.

If you have not tried it, you are missing something genuinely special. Here is everything you need to know.

WHERE IS GRÜNER VELTLINER FROM?

Grüner Veltliner is Austria's most important grape variety — particularly in the wine regions of the Wachau, Kremstal, and Kamptal in Lower Austria. These are cool-climate regions where the dramatic temperature swings between day and night preserve acidity and produce wines with real freshness and precision.

The Hoch family, who supply Loco Wines with The Groover, farm in the Kremstal region — and have done since the 1640s. Their biodynamic vineyards sit on ancient riverbed soils that give the wines their characteristic mineral quality.

WHAT DOES GRÜNER VELTLINER TASTE LIKE?

Grüner Veltliner has a distinctive flavour profile that sets it apart from most other white wines. Expect crisp citrus — lemon, lime, grapefruit — alongside stone fruit like peach and nectarine, and a characteristic white pepper spice that is unique to the variety.

It is always dry, always fresh, and has a clean, lively finish. It is not a heavy, oaky white wine. It is bright and energetic — the kind of wine that makes you want another glass.

HOW DOES GRÜNER VELTLINER COMPARE TO SAUVIGNON BLANC?

Sauvignon Blanc is probably the closest comparison in terms of style — both are crisp, aromatic white wines with high acidity and vibrant fruit. But Grüner Veltliner is generally more mineral and less overtly fruity than Sauvignon Blanc, with that distinctive peppery note that Sauvignon Blanc does not have.

If you love Sauvignon Blanc, you will almost certainly love Grüner Veltliner. And vice versa.

WHAT FOOD DOES GRÜNER VELTLINER PAIR WITH?

Grüner Veltliner is one of the most food-friendly white wines in the world. Its high acidity and clean finish make it work with an enormous range of dishes — asparagus and green vegetables, seafood and fish, lighter pasta dishes, salads, and anything with a citrus or herb component.

It is also excellent with Asian food — the freshness and slight spice work brilliantly with Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese cuisine.

THE GROOVER — GRÜNER VELTLINER FROM LOCO WINES

The Groover is Loco Wines' certified organic, biodynamic Grüner Veltliner from the Hoch family in Kremstal, Austria. Crisp, clean, and endlessly drinkable — citrus, peach, and green apple with a refreshing mineral finish.

No jargon, no snobbery. Just one of Austria's best grapes, grown by one of Austria's best families, made accessible for everyone. Available at locowines.co.uk.