Riesling Vogelthen 2011

16 / 20

Producer: Soellner

Region:Wagram

Country:Austria

A dry riesling from Austria, this white shows some subtle tropical fruit notes in the nose, along with delicate mineral notes.

In the mouth, these impressions are inverted, with the mineral side of the wine coming more to the foreground, along with a marked citrus, lemony side. Feels very elegant and lively, helped by a slightly bubbly feel.

Sonnseit´n Roter Veltliner 2011

16 / 20

Producer: Soellner

Region: Wagram

Country: Austria

Roter veltliner is a grape type indigenous to Austria, introduced there during the era of the Roman Empire. Despite the name, it is not related to Gruner Veltliner, apparently.

Subtle, flowery aromas showing some sweet fruit in a backdrop of minerality - wet stones and rubber.

Very fresh in the palate, soft and well balanced between acidity and sweeter fruit, this is a really refreshing white that feels very light by its own but, when matched with food, reveals a very solid structure. Good, palate cleansing ending with a nice persistence.

Geyerhof Grüner Veltliner Hoher Rain 2011

16.5 / 20

Producer: Geyerhof

Region: Kremstal

Country: Austria

Slightly inexpressive in the nose at first, with maybe some notes of white fruit. As it warms and breathes, a slight mineral feel followed by citrus, acid notes appears. The full bouquet is completed by orange blossom and other flowers.

Surprisingly strong and full in the palate, it has a solid presence. Relying very much on citrus notes, it shows a really interesting bitterness, bringing to mind grapefruits, and the associated dryness. Very original and slightly different from the other Grüner Veltliner I've tasted before, the finish is long and dry.

Paired it with an indian dish and it was a very good match for the spices on the dish.

Domaene Gobelsburg Gruner Veltliner 2009

16.0 / 20

Producer: Schloss Gobelsburg

Region: Niederosterreich

Country: Austria

Nose starts with some honeyed, dried fruit notes before opening up to expressive tropical and white fruits, a hint of grass and some spices.

Light bodied, rounded and slightly sweet on the first approach, this is a delicate, balanced wine where tropical and white fruits are abundant but are countered with spicy and mineral notes. Surprising persistence for its weight, revealing a crispier, more acid side.

Matched really well with a medium-mild curry, complementing the spices and, simultaneously, the sweeter side contrasting with the heat of the curry.

Tasted on 2011-10-06

Domaene Gobelsburg Riesling 2009

15.5 / 20

Producer: Schloss Gobelsburg

Region: Kamptal

Country: Austria

Nose a bit closed at first, it later opens to sweet tropical fruit, along with melon and peaches, hinting at a sweeter Riesling.

Surprisingly, it does not feel that way in the mouth. Quite dry, crisp and fresh, it brings to mind green apples with just a hint of the sweeter fruits the nose brought up. This freshness is enhanced by a light bubbly feel. Finishes in the same light fashion, with some mineral notes.

Surprising and Interesting in its austere approach.

Tasted on 2011-07-09

Carnuntum 2007

16.0 / 20

Producer: Muhr-Niepoort

Region: Carnuntum

Country: Austria

An austrian red, made from Blaufränkisch grapes by a renowned Port and Douro wines producer - Dirk Niepoort. By all means, this has what it takes to get my attention.

Very light to the eye, elegant and subtle bouquet with notes of not so sweet cherries and berries, some spices and a touch of a earthy feel.

Light bodied in the mouth, sporting a good, clear acidity, this is a very elegant wine, showing nice, not very sweet red fruits throughout the taste and a touch of oak that is nicely woven into the whole. Good, lasting finish with some peppery notes.

A really good first experience with an austrian red wine that left the urge to try a couple more. A worthwhile and different experience.

Tasted on 2011-06-29

Johann Müllner Grüner Veltliner 2008

16.0 / 20

Producer: Johann Müllner

Region: Krems

Country: Austria

So, another new wine experience. This time, a Grüner Veltliner from Austria. A first both in Austrian wines and in Grüner Veltliner.

Pale yellow in color, the exuberant aromas got me thinking about lichies and flowers. in the background, a distinct pepper note contrasted with those sweeter notes.

Tasting it, I was startled to discover a much more austere wine than the nose anticipated. Dry and acid, the wine showed a lemony side that was absent from the nose. Very much to the foreground were the peppery notes, marking the very distinct finish.

It's a slim bodied, elegant wine that manages to surprise you by this contrast between the fruitier, sweeter aroma and the spicier, drier taste.

As with the german rieslings, austrian wines are now on my "must know better" list.

Being a dry, spicy wine I think this wine would do well along with indian or other spicy foods.

Tasted on 2010-07-21