austrian winemakers tasting at blaue gans

On Monday night, a group of wine bloggers gathered at Blaue Gans in Tribeca to have a meet and greet with a handful of Austrian Winemakers. And, of course, to taste our way through their wines. It was an evening (unintentionally) devoted to Gruner Veltliner--a varietal of which we were able to experience its full spectrum. A beautifully diverse and eye-opening representation of what Austria can do. There's no pigeon-holing to be had here.

Szigeti Sparkling Gruner Veltliner: Super fine bubbles that coat your mouth entirely, crisp green apple, white pepper spiciness on the finish. Have a bottle of this at home and look forward to popping and enjoying its vibrancy again.

2009 Weingut Stadt Krems Gruner Veltliner Kremstal: Fresh dill on the nose mixed with wet stone. Razor sharp acidity balanced by juiciness. Great minerality presence. This is Gruner Veltliner at its finest.

2009 Loimer Gruner Veltliner: Golden delicious apple with lemon zest. Clean nose. Some ginger ale aspects to it. This is the kind of Gruner that could be a game changer for conservative white wine drinkers. Undeniable delicious factor. Sweetness for sure, but nicely balanced. The acidity comes across as a subtle frissante quality. Beautiful transition white into fall. Evokes memories of apple picking season.

2007 Prager Gruner Veltliner: Almond butter, apple sauce, and golden raisins on the nose. But yet again, shows amazing balance on the palate. Strikingly sweet aromas but fresh, and acidic in the mouth.

2008 Blaufrankisch: Cranberry, brown sugar, and raspberry cobbler on the nose. Light but vibrant on the palate. Subtle black pepper notes but no lingering spice. There was a flavor on the finish that tasted like the striking of a match which I found quite intriguing.