Öhlzelt’s Zöbinger Grüner Veltliner is multi-vineyard village blend (from Zöbing) made from 20-60 year-old vines aged in acacia wood. In the glass, the wine shows a brilliant light lemon color with a shimmering green rim. The nose is a wonderful medley of quince, cucumber and subtle spice aromas that tickle the senses as they waft from the glass. On the palate, the wine shows incredible precision, balance and poise with a brisk, invigorating acidity and lean, angular body. Fine mineral notes join the stone and green fruit flavors as they flow into a persistent, refreshing finish. I love this wine for its nuance and grace; often Kamptal wines can be heavy-handed and extracted, but not here: it is like drinking from a cool mountain stream surrounded by a garden of wildflowers and an orchard of ripe summer fruits. Enjoy with roast chicken thighs with peaches, ginger and herbs; pasta with corn, tomatoes and zucchini; or veal schnitzel with quick pickles and green beans.
