Austria, Spain and Chile are represented in this group of white wines imported in the US by González Byass. In addition to the importer they share affordability and offer a variety of grape varieties to enjoy for summer sipping. We received these wines as tasting samples.
2020 Domäne Wachau Grüner Veltliner Federspiel Terrassen, Wachau, Austria — pale yellow with aromas of melon, thyme and chamomile. Flavors follow with ripe melon, chamomile and citrus zest and bright acidity with a juicy finish. 12% abv. SRP $17.99
It’s fitting we are tasting Austrian Grüner Veltliner, as Grüner is the most widely planted variety in Austria. It’s also perfect for summer sipping and pairing with light meals.
Grapes were harvested by hand on steep hillsides, fermented in stainless steel and aged on the fine lees in stainless. The flavors are lively and refreshing.
2020 Domäne Wachau Grüner Veltliner Loess, Austria — pale yellow with delicate aromas of melon and citrus zest. Flavors include ripe melon, dried grass and white pepper with citrusy acidity. 12.5% abv. SRP $14 (1 liter bottle)
This wine carries the wider Austria regional designation and isn’t as complex as the prior wine. The technical sheet suggests sipping this wine on its own or adding sparkling water to make a “G’spritzter.”
2019 Beronia Verdejo Rueda DO, Spain — medium yellow with aromas of citrus and stone fruit. Flavors follow with peach and citrus flavors along with background flavors of mustard and savory, umami flavors that linger on the finish along with plenty of acidity. 13% abv. SRP $11.99
Spain’s Rueda DO is known for its white wines and Verdejo, which is native to the region, is foremost among them. The Duero River, which becomes the Douro as it enters Portugal, runs along this region in Castilla y León.
Winemaking took place in stainless steel and concrete tanks with lees aging before fining, filtration and bottling. This was Peter’s favorite wine of the group. “This is the one I would sit down and sip,” he noted.
2019 Veramonte Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley, Chile — medium yellow with aromas of flint, gravelly minerality and citrus. Flavors include citrus, just-ripe pineapple and melon with lively acidity that lingers on the palate along with toasty flavors. The wine holds a bit of weight and texture on the palate as well. 14% abv. SRP $11.99
Vineyard work and winemaking are both certified organic, hence Made With Organic Grapes on the bottle. Winemaking included native yeast fermentation in oak barrels, along with fermentation in stainless steel and partial malolactic fermentation. A lot of care and effort went into making this Chardonnay that costs very little.
Thanks to González Byass USA for a taste of summer and to Donna White Communications for organizing our tasting.
Cheers!
