Herbert Zillinger, “Horizont”, Grüner Veltliner

Descrizione

More intense that his Neuland, this is Herbert’s mineral, tight, vibrant and long Grüner Veltliner that comes from older parcels in the Weinviertel.

With a vibrant golden-green colour, this is rich, medium-full bodied, broad and textured Grüner that will definitely develop in the coming years. The zingy mouthfeel balances the weight with real brightness and freshness, delivering a really long finish. Citrus flavours, lime and spice, this has been described by Jancis Robinson as “almost Caribbean: like rum, lime and a little bit of honey”.

Herbert Zillinger grows grapes on slopes in the top east corner of Austria facing Slovakia. All his vines are farmed organically and biodynamically and the quality of the fruit has really set the wine world to look at this rather unfashionable corner of Austria with new eyes. He’s also done a job on the messaging about this quality by making a tongue-in-cheek line of wines along-side single vineyard classically labelled bottles: it’s up to the consumer to look, taste and examine – no prejuduce given. Except the prices perhaps…

Grüner Veltliner is a brilliant grape variety that seems to be the perfect food matching wine. Textural and semi-aromatic, it often has flavours that are on the culinary spectrum, such as tarragon, sage, oregano and, most typically, white pepper. There are very classic Grüners that almost appear as though they’re made with a bouquet garni…

For food matching, this is another culinary delight and will pair wonderfully well with seafood, poultry, salads and is wonderful with pork dishes.