DAN'S-THIS WEEK'S WINE REVIEW

The focus will be on Grüner Veltliner next month when the inaugural “Global Grüner Challenge” (a joint effort between the Austrian Wine Marketing Board and Winestate Magazine) is conducted here in Adelaide (open to Grüner from around the world). It will be the first major Grüner tasting outside of Austria aimed at highlighting what a sensational white variety it is, wherever it is grown.

Currently Grüner is grown in Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, France, USA, Canada, New Zealand and of course Australia. Here in Australia, the majority of it is grown in the Adelaide Hills, which has been christened as the “Southern Hemisphere’s Grüner Capital”.

So I thought it was a good time to check out a couple of the local lads – a small preview of what’s to come. Therefore, this week’s two wines of the week are: 

ECCENTRIC WINES ADELAIDE HILLS 2017 GRüNER VELTLINER: This wine is just starting to open up and blossom, with lovely lifted floral and citrus aromas accompanied by just a smidge of herbs in the background. It has great varietal flavours with a good dose of limes. The inherent crispness and steeliness is just starting to soften off a tad, making it a great wine to enjoy as an aperitif as well as with lighter-style food. A CLASS ACT!

ECCENTRIC WINES ADELAIDE HILLS 2018 GRüNER VELTLINER: This vintage is tight and taut with a hint of spices amongst the lemon and lime aromas. It is zesty, crisp with a degree of steeliness and flavoursome on the palate. It has a tight, zingy, lingering finish that cleanses the palate ready for another sip. This wine will open up over the next 1-2 years to become SUPERB!

Rarely does one get the chance to see consecutive vintages of a wine at the same time. It is a great way to see how the wine is progressing and a better indicator of its future potential. In this case the future potential is secure and will be distinguished. Well done!!  www.monkeybiz.net.au