Gruner Veltliner Strasser Weinberge 2006

 

Tasting Note:
Classic vinification in 100% stainless steel. Flint, rock and grassy notes on the nose are joined by crisp acidity and a mineralic edge on the palate. The finish exhibits the spiciness that Gruner is renowned for.

Vintage Report: 2006
A great year by any standard, arguably the best in two decades. Yields were low but quality exceptional. After a cool start to the vintage the lead up to harvest was long and dry ensuring all varieties reached maturity without loosing acidity. The prospect of aging both red and white is excellent.

Terroir: Strass - Kamptal Valley - Austria
Geologically, the soil dates back 270 million years and is composed of desert sandstone with volcanic particles. Farms are perched on steep terraces above the Danube River and produce strong, mineral wines which, above all, age extraordinarily well.

Grape Variety: Gruner Veltliner
Gruner Veltliner (GROO-ner FELT-lih-ner) is Austria’s most widely planted variety. It produces pale, crisp, light- to medium-bodied and slightly spicy wines. The best Gruner from quality sites and low yields can be deeply perfumed and complex. It's ability to age beautifully is one of the many interesting characteristics that Gruner Veltliner shares with Riesling. Both varieties have naturally high acidity, an essential component of wine that will age well.

 

	Martin Arndorfer Gruner Veltliner	Premium Organic Wine $40 - $60	Premium Conventional Wine $40 - $60
Number of Bottles Produced	6,000	100,000	300,000
Total Sulfites (parts per million)	70 ppm	100 ppm	Up To 350 ppm
Yeast Selection	Native	Commercial	Commercial
Use of Synthetic Fertilizers	No	No	Yes
Use of Synthetic Herbicides, Fungicides and Pesticides	No	No	Yes
Use Of Additives and/or Adjustments in the Cellar	No	Yes*	Yes*
Use of Vineyard Irrigation	No	Yes	Yes
Ratio of Price to Quality	Good	Bad	Good

*Typical Cellar Additives and Adjustments may Include: Chaptalization (sugar), Tannin Powder, Oak Chips, Color Extracting Enzymes, Tartaric Acid, Reverse Osmosis, Micro Oxygenation, Fining Agents, Sulfites.