Great Grooner

Grüner Veltliner, pronounced Grooner Velt-Leaner, is Austria’s signature white grape variety. In North America, folks in the wine trade simply call it “Grooner.” It accounts for one-third of  Austria’s vineyard acreage and is hardly planted elsewhere.  Always dry, with a bright acidity and medium body, the bouquet gives us subtle notes of grapefruit and signature white pepper. Not just a warm weather sipper, it is drunk in copious quantities in restaurants, café’s and Heuriger (wine bars) all over Austria. Drink on its own or pair with lighter dishes including seafoods. But the real match made in Himmel (heaven) is Wiener Schnitzel. We are not talking about the standard schnitzels available everywhere. No more than a pounded, non-descript breaded cutlet made of pork and panfried – ho-hum! Real Wiener (Viennese) Schnitzel is only allowed to be made with veal. Pounded ever so thinly and dredged in egg and bread crumbs, it is deep fried and will be light, tender and delicate. And then to pair with Grüner Veltliner!!! Lenz Moser’s premium, limited production Prestige line of wines is meant for upscale retailers, such as LCBO Vintages as well as restaurants. Peter Moser, no relation, of Falstaff, Austria’s leading wine publication, gave it 90 points.

2024 Lenz Moser Prestige Grüner Veltliner LCBO #71233, $19.95