Hahndorf Hill Winery
  Adelaide Hills
Sommeliers Australia recently held an exciting tasting at Amalfi Restaurant on Frome street in Adelaide. The topic of the tasting was ‘Exploring Austria’ and was coordinated by writer Tim White and Master of Wine David LeMire.
Tim White’s eyes light up as he talks about Gruner Veltliner.
Of course I was excited to be invited as there was every possibility that I would be sniffing and licking some wonderful Gruner Veltliners and possibly a few Blaufrankisch as well!
“Exploring Austria’ tasting at Amalfi restaurant, Adelaide
In fact, I got far more than I bargained for as the detailed list of the three tasting excellent brackets below shows:
Bracket 1, Gruner Veltliner
1. Ott, ‘Fass 4’ 2012, Wagram
2. Schloss Gobelsburg, ‘Steinsetz’ 2012, Kamptal
3. Brundlmayer, ‘Loiser Berg’ 2011, Kamptal
4. Hirsch, ‘Heiligenstein’ 2011, Kamptal
5. Rabl, ‘Spiegel’ 2011, Kamptal
6. Stift Goettweig, ‘Gottweiger Berg’ 2012, Kremstal
7. Prager, ‘Hinter der Burg’ 2011, Wachau (Federspiel)
8. Alzinger, ‘Loibenberg’, Wachau (Smaragd)
9. Rudi Pichler, ‘Wosendorfer Kollmutz’ 2011, Wachau (Smaragd)
Bracket 2, Riesling
1. Ott, ‘Von Rotem Schotter’ 2008, Wagram
2. Gobelsburger, ‘vom Urgestein’ 2011, Kamptal
3. Brundlmayer, ‘Kamptaler Terrassen’ 2009, Kamptal
4. Hirsch, ‘Gaisberg’ 2009, Kamptal
5. Rabl, ‘Steinhaus’ 2011, Kamptal
6. Donabaum, ‘Bergterrassen’ 2011, Wachau (Federspiel)
7. F. X. Pichler, ‘Loibner Burgstall’ 2009, Wachau (Federspiel)
8. Knoll, ‘Ried Loibenberg’ 2009, Wachau (Smaragd)
9. Alzinger, ‘Loibenberg’ 2011, Wachau (Smaragd)
Bracket 3, Reds
1. Pittnauer, ‘Pannobile’ 2008, Burgenland,
2. Nittnaus, ‘Pannobile 2007, Burgenland, Blaufrankisch & Zweigelt
3. Nittnaus, ‘Leithaberg’ 2009, Burgenland, Blaufrankisch
4. Gesellmann, ‘Creitzer Reserve’ 2008, Burgenland, Blaufrankisch
5. Moric, ‘Reserve’ 2008, Burgenland
6. Schneider, ‘Reserve’ 2009, Thermenregion, Sankt Laurent
7. Heinrich Hartl III, ‘Classic’ 2009, Thermenregion, St Laurent
8. Pittnauer, ‘Dorflagen’ 2011, Burgenland, Pinot Noir
My personal favourites? Well, here are a few listed below:
Hirsch, ‘Heiligenstein’ Gruner Veltliner 2011, Kamptal – Rich, caramelized orange peel and spice, bruised herbs. Perhaps a tad broad and fleshy – but held together extremely well by excellent acidity and a spritzy, spicy texture.
Schloss Gobelsburg, ‘Steinsetz’ Gruner Veltliner 2012, Kamptal – Brimming with stone fruit, lime and nettle on nose with lovely juicy acidity counterbalanced with excellent texture and length
Ott, ‘Von Rotem Schotter’ Riesling 2008, Wagram – Great aromatics of orange zest, lime, talcum powder and hay – lively and fresh palate – perhaps a touch of TDN which only contributes complexity to this vibrant wine – showing good bottle age character.