TNs: Two Gruners, one from the US, one from Austria

WINE TALK
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A blind tasting between a US Grüner and an Austrian Grüner.

Wine #1: Interesting almost Chardonnay-like aromas on the nose, with a hint of tropical fruit and a bit of cream/butter. Mouthfeel is medium-dense, with lots of juicy peach, lemon-lime/pith, maybe even some hops(?) and a tiny hint of minerality at the end. Finish is clean and relatively long with nice lingering notes of chalky lime. 90 points.

Wine #2: Smells a bit more like traditional Grüner with a bit of vegetable-ness balancing some lime on the nose. Mouthfeel is lighter than the previous wine, though still medium. Much more of a crystalline quality and tingling acidity throughout the initial taste, through the midpalate, and into the finish. Flavors are more lemon-lime pith, maybe with some grapefruit, but definitely less fruit than Wine #1. 91 points.

Definitely thought that Wine #1 was the US throughout and yes, Wine #1 was the Aurora Cellars 2022 Grüner Veltliner (Michigan) and Wine #2 was the Salomon Undhof 2021 Ried Wachtberg Grüner Veltliner (Kremstal). Interestingly, the Aurora Cellars one was only $24 while the Undhof was $35.

I actually liked the heavier body of the Aurora Cellars Grüner and think it might stand up well to more substantive foods, even if it made for a bit less elegant wine. It’s different, but quite good and promising for US wine. Just wish there could be more of the wonderful minerality that the Undhof Grüner was absolutely full of. That said, compared to what I recall from some California Grüners, it had a really nice finish and stronger flavors. Looking forward to more Grüner comparisons.

7 Likes
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Nice, like seeing wines from places like Michigan

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Thanks for the great note!!

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I had a 2018 Stereophonic Gruner this year that was fabulous. Still super fresh with miles to go. Gruner has promise in the New World!

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Yes, very fun comparison, thanks for sharing your thoughts, Chris. I think the only stateside Gruner I’ve had is Carlisle’s.

Haere Ra,

Mike

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The Carlisle Gruner is probably the best one made in the USofA. Often the intensity of a Smaargd.
Tom

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mmm, yes. My last try of it was a 2020 from July 2023

2020 Carlisle Gruner Veltliner

I haven’t had one of these in a while and brought it for my friend Peter, who is Austrian and loves his Gruner. He was very impressed. So was I. This might be the best iteration of this that I’ve had from Mike. Real tingle on the tastebuds with depth, balance and lemon, lime and pepper tinges. No need to wait, drank really well today.