Salomon Undhof Hochterrassen Gruner Veltliner

Sometimes others say it best. Here is a Master of Wine and a Master Sommelier describing this wine, the Gruner Veltliner Hochterrassen, on special today:

 

"Fraternal twins Bert and Fay Salomon are the 9th generation to take over their family’s historic winery, a pillar of quality in the Wachau Valley since 1792. One of the oldest family-owned wineries in Austria, they were the first to export their wines to the United States in the 1930s and are founding members of the Traditionsweingüter Österreich, the group tasked with classifying Austria’s most important vineyards in a system resembling that of Burgundy. Salomon’s top vineyard sites, perched on south-facing terraces along the Danube River, are all designated Erste Lage ÖTW, or Grand Cru, which might please the Capuchin Monks who planted them should they have lived long enough to find out.

 

"Like their father, Bert Salomon Sr., Fay and Bert believe that great wines are made from living soils and don’t wear makeup. The path to a beautiful bottle is through meticulous, environmentally conscious care in the vineyard and thoughtful work in the cellar. Cover crops are grown between rows to maintain vital soils and encourage biodiversity, and under-vine management is done manually, without the use of sprays (there has been no use of herbicides in more than a decade). Sheep’s wool is hung to repel hungry deer from the nearby forrest, and natural pheromones are used to prevent destruction by a local butterfly. The wine is handled gently in the cellar – not manipulated, but rather protected – as it reaches toward a pure expression of its time and place.

 

"The Hochterrassen Gruner Veltliner is meant to give you a glimpse of their style and quality level. Although an entry tier wine, this Gruner holds pedigree, reflecting the youngest vines born from some of the best parcel holdings in Kremstal. Meant to be light, crisp, refreshing, and whimsical, the Hochterrassen is gently pressed, fermented cool in stainless steel to preserve its primary aromatics, and bottled young to retain its energy and freshness. Hallmark notes of sweet pea, white pepper, and lemon zest are a few notes you might experience. An ideal match for springtime salads, asparagus and lemon risotto, light tempura starters, or Mediterranean fish." - Ashley Hausman, Master of Wine

 

"So good for so long, it's easy to overlook Salomon Undhof, whose deeply mineral and transparent wines are some of the country's most profound. Elegant and refined are words that come to mind. These wines dazzle with their quiet, staid solidity." - Raj Parr, Master Sommelier