Groovy Wines - March 15th

For those of use with enough gray hair to have used the term “groovy” in it’s heyday, welcome back to an old friend. The term now refers to an increasingly popular Austrian white wine and it’s varietal, Grüner Veltliner, or Gru-V. Crisp and medium bodied, this wine comes to mind now that the winter weather has moderated and warm summer breezes begin to waft into town. Expect pear, citrus and nuts, balanced acid and perhaps a vegetable nose such as green bean or asparagus.
While you might think of Riesling when you think of Austria (or perhaps Baron Von Trapp), Gru-V is the most widely planted grape there today. They have in the past been overgrown and simplistic, but since the late ‘80s have been pruned and thinned and produced a more intense and concentrated wine. Look for the drier versions (12.5% + ) and you will be rewarded with a white pepper spice on the nose. Because of it’s unique style, it pairs well with those hard to match foods like artichoke and vinegar based salads. Wachau is a highly desired region to look for, but expect to pay a little more for it.