GRÜNER VELTLINER/ALBARIÑO

Question 1

GRÜNER VELTLINER

Answer 1

Sight: pale to deep straw.
Nose:
style varies with different regions/climates and even classifications (Wachau).
—Cool climate wines tend to be lighter in body with tart green apple/pear, bright citrus fruits and herbal-vegetal qualities (celery, caraway,
radish, white pepper, lentils) with earth and/or mineral.
—Wines from warmer regions have much riper fruit with notes of peach-nectarine, rhubarb, yellow apple, honey and more.

Palate:
wines are generally very dry and styles range from light and racy to rich, weighty, and grand depending on specific region and producer.

Structure:
alcohol: medium to high;
acidity: medium-plus to high acidity.

ID Keys: can be light and racy or full-bodied and grand. Ripe fruit and the celery-radish-white pepper combination are unique to Grüner Veltliners.

Question 2

ALBARIÑO

Answer 2

Sight: pale to medium straw.
Nose: white peach, green pear, mandarin/orange and lime-citrus with notes of floral, light herb, hops/Pilsner and wet stone minerality. Wood rarely used.

Palate: light to medium bodied and bone dry to dry.

Structure:
alcohol: medium to medium-plus;
acidity: medium-plus.

ID Keys: combination of peach, sweet citrus and herbal-citrusy character with aromas of flowers, beer/hops and mineral; Albariño is often describe as “Viognier nose and Riesling palate.”