Dedalus Wine Shop » Austria

Awesome GruVee – we could drink this by the bucket!

Jason — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:43:56 +0000

From the Burgenland region, the easternmost and least populous state in Austria, this Gruner Veltliner is made from organic grapes. The vineyards themselves are overgrown with flowers, weeds, and wild grasses that provide a habitat for soil organisms and beneficial insects. At the same time, the vines are in competition for water and nutrients – a deliberate mild stress condition arises and is the starting point for positive development and flavors in the grapes.

Despite Burgenland’s reputation for producing excellent wine, some vintners in Burgenland added illegal substances to their wine in the mid-1980s. When this was revealed, Austria’s wine exports dwindled dramatically. After recovering from the scandal, vintners in Austria, not only in Burgenland, started focusing on quality. The upshot for us? Killer wines at unbelievable prices!
In this wine you will find soft, inviting aromas of lime and mineral notes. It is pleasantly uncomplicated with refreshing effervescence. It is crisp, thirst-quenching, and easy to drink. Pair it with light appetizers or nothing at all.

Weingut Michlits Gruner Veltliner 2007, $15.00

Rosé Adoration Part II – Tegernseerhof Zweigelt Rosé, 2007

Jason — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:13:56 +0000

The first installment of our multi-post Rosé-pushing mission got a great response at the shop. Lots of people popped in to buy the St. Martin and, as predicted, our pink wine drinking converts are now legion – we’re building an army of Rosé crusaders! After reading the Rosé Wine entry in my edition of the Oxford Companion to Wine, I think we might have to march team-pink on author (and prolific wine writer) Hugh Johnson. He finishes the entry with a typical Brit poke a the narrowness of the American palette when he writes “The new world is in general rather bemused by the concept of Rosé“. This seems like a little jibe, but you should take it personally. Our national identity as Wine Lovers is being challenged by Hugh. Let me translate his brit-speak for you: “ Americans have cardboard palettes and can only taste monster, high-alcohol red wines and over-oaked Chardonnay“. What’s that? You think I’m reading too much into it? Maybe, but I think drinking a bottle or two of this next wine will show those Brits that we can appreciate wine in all its nuances.

Joking aside, this really is something different. The name gives us a peek at the complexity of the wine – Tegernseerhof Zweigelt Rosé – say that a few times fast. Made in Wachau, Austria from Zweigelt, the country’s most planted grape, the “T Rosé” as it is affectionately known around here, is a deep-pink stunner. It has a big nose of ripe strawberry, watermelon and lime rind, and wet cement. Much of the same carries over to the mouth – but here it’s the body and texture that really stand out. The wine is big and dense, with a wonderful, almost waxy feel to it. The flavors unpack one at a time. New nuances show up with every sip. Acidity is perfectly integrated into the wine, but its presence cannot be denied – one glass will have you salivating, giving the impression of serious juiciness. Unlike many pink wines, the Tegernseerhof has the stuffing to hang out for a couple of years. It’s a great match for roasted or grilled chicken, spicy Thai food, or quiche. What could be more festive than pink wine with your Sunday brunch?

Stop in and pick up a couple of bottles. Diversity is the best revenge for slights against our National Wine Drinking Identity!

Tegernseerhof Zweigelt Rosé, 2007 – $12.75/bottle

Free Tasting! The Austrian Assault – 5 Under-the-Radar Wines You’ll Want to Drink All Summer Long

Jason — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:25:57 +0000

You’ll want to drink these wines by the bucket!

Austria’s wine scene has been slowly coming in to focus here in the USA. After years of greedily snapping up their own wines (they’re just that good), the Austrians are finally willing to share a few of these sleek, compelling beauties with us.

Reds, whites sparklers and rosé – there’s a distinct Austrian character that’s sure to please and most certainly excite. After this tasting, odds are you’ll be drinking Zweigelt and Gruner Veltliner all summer long!

Join us this Friday, May 15th at the shop anytime between 5:00 and 9:00. We’ll being pouring five for your enjoyment.