WARNING: Drinking distilled spirits, beer,
coolers, wine and other alcoholic
beverages may increase cancer risk, and
during pregnancy, can cause birth defects.
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol .
2024 Markus Wine Co. Gruner Veltliner
North River Vineyards Block 3 Planted 2019: 100% Gruner Veltliner
Out of the blue, a longtime respected Lodi winegrower called Markus, pitching this relatively uncommon grape from the very first planting of Grüner in Lodi hoping we would want some. The winegrower said they were thinking specifically of us when they planted it, knowing Markus grew up not far from the Wachau in Austria, where the grape has a loyal following. After inspecting the vines planted in 2019 a few frog's leaps from the right bank of the cooling Mokelumne River due north of downtown Lodi, Markus agreed. But the proof is in the fermenting.
We were very happy to discover super abundant fruit-forward aromas and flavors of fresh oranges and golden apples along with yellow peaches. The satisfying finish has a savory quality and crispness to restrain the fruit from going completely wild, building an electric freshness. There is just the right weight in the mouth - not thin and not fat.
If you're looking for something to completely stump that wine expert in your life in a blind tasting, this will do it. Have some fun and give it a try!
The savory quality cries out for roasted white meat with a pan sauce made from the drippings. Put a medallion of roasted turkey on your fork with stuffing and gravy and that would do just fine. Don't forget the roasted carrots.