Two Very Special Wines For Spring and Summer Sipping. South African Chenin Blanc & Austrian Gruner Veltliner

We chose these two wines for a recent wedding party we sommeliered*. The bride was buying the wine and we had not actually tasted these before, our research was positive, and they turned out to be exceptional.

I find that, while relatively unknown here in the US, Chenin Blanc & Gruner Veltliner have universal appeal. Everyone loves these wines.

Spier Chenin Blanc

Spier vineyards have been producing great wine on the Western Cape since 1682. With keen attention to sustainability their wines are fresh and clean.

Chenin Blanc, perhaps most know from French wines from the Loire Valley, like Vouvrey, but this wine is from South Africa, down on the Cape where it is the most popular white grape, the wonderful soil, sun and sea winds give it great life.

It is elegant, refreshing and well balanced, displaying aromas that are fresh and fragrant. Filled with tropical fruit, peach and mineral flavors graced with a touch of vanilla on the dry finish with nice acidity. Superb value.

Winzer Krems Gruner Veltliner

Winzer Krems is Austria’s largest wine producer, a cooperative made up from over 1,500 grape growers located in and around the town of Krems.It is the modern face of the St. Paul wine-making guild established in 1442 whose wines were steeped in tradition and once reserved for imperial Habsburg banquet tables

Crisp, Citrus, Tree fruit, Medium-bodied, this crisp, balanced white is an excellent introduction to a wine that is quickly becoming the white of choice for those who discover it! Full-bodied with hints of pepper and spice, this delicious mineral-driven delight will pair well with fresh seafood and vegetable dishes.

Both of these wines can be found at TotalWine.

*Sommeliered, a new verb we have coined. Means to introduce, explain, evangelize and engage others in the utter enjoyment of fine wine.