Count Karolyi Gruner Veltliner 2011

Winery: Count Karolyi

Varietal: Gruner Veltliner

For centuries now, wineries in central and eastern Europe have been growing and cultivating the fine, pale skinned Gruner Veltliner varietal grapes for wine production. In more recent years, Gruner Veltliner has spread to several New World countries, where it is growing in popularity and is widely appreciated for its mineral-rich flavors and the fruity, spicy notes most commonly associated with the varietal. Gruner Veltliner has the much sought after ability to express many of the features of its terroir, and as such is favored by people looking for unusual and unique flavors and characteristics. Gruner Veltliner is also a highly versatile grape, and can be aged well, or used for sparkling wines and still, dry white wines of excellent quality and character.

Country: Hungary

Hungary's wine industry suffered a real drop in reputation throughout most of the twentieth century due to the homogenization of wines under the Soviet Union. However, today the historic wineries of Tokaj and the regions around the great Balaton lake are working tirelessly to bring Hungary's wines to the world once again, and demonstrate just how wonderful and varied the country's produce is. By far the most highly esteemed of all Hungary's wines are the famous Tokaji wines – once the favorite of the crowned heads of Europe, now a favorite with anyone looking for something unique, flavorful and surprising. Tokaji wines are made using noble rot, which withers the grapes and concentrates the sugars of the fruit. The resulting wine is slightly viscous, and packed full of fascinating flavors.