Laurenz V. Singing Grüner Veltliner, Kamptal, Austria

Producer

Gruner Veltliner has effected a Cinderellalike transformation over the past few years. This is thanks to the likes of Laurenz V in the Kamptal region of Austria, who produce an elegant, ageworthy style of Gruner that has captivated the international market.

In 2004 Laurenz Moser V partnered with Dieter Hubler and the Schweiger family to form Laurenz V, a wine firm dedicated exclusively to the production of world-class Gruner Veltliner. Focussing entirely on this varietal, they produce several distinct proprietary wines and have played a leading role in communicating the premium qualities of Gruner Veltliner on the world wine stage. Their wines display brisk acidity, with unusually-pronounced concentration of flavour, voluptuous texture and vibrant minerality. They are also remarkably easy to pair with food, complementing everything from seafood, to rich meaty, and spicy dishes.

Terroir and climate are key in Kamptal. The right bank of the river Kamp gives Gruner creaminess and length, and the left bank’s granite and mica-slate accounts for the minerality and freshness of Laurenz V’s classic style. Cold air from the north lowers night-time temperatures to slow the ripening process, which is crucial in producing the concentrated style of Gruner that Laurenz V is so well known for. They also source grapes from trusted growers in the Kremstal region of Lower Austria, where Gruner Veltliner reaches optimal ripeness while retaining its trademark vivacity.