SEPP WINERY, AUSTRIA
GRUNER VELTLINER 2013 (white)
ZWEIGELT 2013 (red)
By: Ed "The Wine Guy"
There was a time not too long ago that Harney's did not stock Gruner Veltliner; we now, by popular demand, have four (4). Gruner Veltliner is Austria's most widely planted white wine grape. This Sepp Winery offering, produced by bio-dynamic farming, is typically light, dry, crisp, with citrus (predominantly lemon peel) aromas and flavors. with a hint of pepper, and a slight spritz - some of the effervescence that naturally results from the fermentation process has been trapped. I have found that a Gruner Veltliner wine is a perfect match with raw oysters, but pairs equally well with many fish and seafood dishes, and with cream-based fish and chicken recipes. Zweigelt, a red wine, is medium-bodied and fruit-driven. The closest flavor I can detect is that of cranberry sauce. As with all young, fruity red wines, it can be served slightly chilled, without the loss of quality.