Alter Native Gruner Veltliner 2016 Veyder Malberg

Professional reviews

Jancis Robinson (16.50)

Full bottle 1,268 g. For 17 days the grapes fermented with the skins before being pressed. After ageing in small wooden barrels for 15 months, it was bottled with minimal addition of SO2. The grapes come from the vineyards Buschenberg, Loibenberg and a small part from the Hochrain. All vineyards were cultivated without tractor by pure manual labour. The neck label proudly states ‘Handarbeit’ (manual labour). TA 4.7 g/l, pH 3.3.
Mid orangey gold. Rich, spicy, complex nose of ripe yellow fruits, and an almost savoury spice, an impression of burnished gold. On the palate, firmly tannic, chewy yet with lovely freshness given how mouth-filling and broad it is. Acidity seems moderate despite the low pH but the freshness is increased by the tannins. Non-sweet honeyed richness with bottle age. Lots to enjoy here and needs to be given time to unfurl, or perhaps decanted. Definitely needs food. (JH)

BOW (8)