Wine With Wanda

Sipping Austria: Get to Know Grüner Veltliner with Domäne Wachau

Why don’t I drink more Grüner Veltliner? That’s the question I asked myself after attending a tasting with Domäne Wachau winemaker Heinz Frischengruber. Austria’s most significant white wine, Grüner Veltliner is racy and refreshing. Domäne Wachau’s portfolio of Grüner Veltliner, including single vineyard selections, showcases a beautiful range of wines from fresh and flirty to fuller-bodied and more nuanced.

Domäne Wachau Grüner Veltliner Federspiel Terrassen 2018 ($18) is a fantastic introduction to the varietal. The grapes were sourced from steeply terraced vineyards throughout the Wachau Valley. Crisp and refreshing with lively, but not aggressive acidity, it’s freshness and pronounced minerality make it a fantastic alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. The official tasting notes say "this wine offers distinctive aromas of green apple, white pepper, hints of mango, balanced with delicate herbal notes. This Federspiel is a traditional example of Grüner Veltliner with its medium-body crisp acidity, juicy fruits and white spice on the finish." 


Domäne Wachau is a cooperative of 250 grape farmers but winemaker and Wachau Valley native Heinz Frischengruber oversees production. In addition to his formal wine studies, Heinz also spent time in California, South Africa, and Germany and says that his time abroad helped him to become more open-minded and appreciate the importance of the philosophy of wine, not just technique.


If you really want to geek out on Grüner Veltliner, try a bottle of Domäne Wachau Grüner Veltliner Federspiel Ried Liebenberg 2018 ($25). The Liebenberg vineyard dates back to the 14th century and produces a more robust and powerful expression of Grüner Veltliner without sacrificing the signature freshness and minerality. The official tasting notes say, "the wine shows hints of ripe yellow apple, white peach, spicy notes of pepper and subtle hints of papaya; the palate is pronounced with a salty character, juicy fruit and lively acidity that complement the long lasting and powerful mouthfeel." 

If your travels take you to Austria, Domäne Wachau was ranked #19 on the 2019 list of Top 50 World's Best Vineyards. Tours and tastings are available. In addition to Grüner Veltliner, Domäne Wachau also produces a lovely range of Riesling.  

Take Your Palate on a Rosé Adventure: 5 Tasty Pink Wines from 4 Different Countries

Can you even imagine summer without rosé? Luckily, we don't have to! Rosé wines are delicious year-round but there's no denying that these flirty pink sips are particularly suited to the sunny and carefree vibe of the summer season. Pretty and refreshing, rosé wines are a fun way to explore new regions and grapes. I plan on taking my taste buds on a delicious rosé journey all summer long and will keep you updated with short reviews of my favorites. This week's selections include sensational pink wines from Australia, Italy, France, and Spain. Cheers! 

Frescobaldi Alìe 2018 ($18.99)
Tuscany, Italy
About four years ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Frescobaldi's stunning Ammiraglia estate in Tuscany's coastal Maremma region. I recently sipped their elegant Alìe rose at an event in NYC and was instantly transported back to that beautiful time and place. A blend of Syrah and Vermentino, Alìe is pale pink but bursting with lively red fruit flavors. Deliciously dry with a touch of minerality, this refreshing sip is worthy of its name that was inspired by a fabled sea nymph. 

Cape Mentelle Rosè 2018 ($18.99)
Margaret River, Australia
There's lots of flavor in this full-bodied and juicy rosé from Down Under. A bold blend of Shiraz, Grenache, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Mourvèdre, and Viognier; it has lip-smacking flavors of ripe strawberries and cream, peach, melon, and citrus. Crisp acidity keeps it vibrant and lively.

Baron de Ley Rioja Rosé 2018 ($11)
Rioja, Spain
Would you like your rosé with a bit of olé? Try this superb sip from Spain! 100% Garnacha, this pale pink beauty packs plenty of flavor and finesse. Luscious and crisp with juicy flavors of fresh red berries; this is an easy-breezy and elegant vino. 

Esprit Gassier Côtes de Provence 2018 ($22)
Provence, France
No rosé journey is complete without a stop in Provence! This picturesque region in the south of France launched a global obsession with pale pink wines. There is no shortage of excellent rosé from Provence and this elegant offering from Château Gassier doesn't disappoint. A classic blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and Vermentino, this refreshing sip has crisp flavors of red berries, white peach, and a zippy kiss of citrus.

Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Rosé Reserve ($10.99)
Côtes du Rhône, France
One of the best values in wine, Les Dauphins rosé is well-made and consistently delicious. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah, this perky pink sip from the southern Rhône Valley has pretty melon and berry flavors that are fruity with a hint of sweetness and lively acidity. This is a very happy wine! 

Give Zweigelt a Swirl!: Austrian Rosé and Red from Artner

Several years ago, I had a comically bad date with a "gentleman" from Vienna, so I raise a glass to Artner for washing away that memory with their wonderful Austrian wines. A family run business located in Austria's Carnuntum region, Artner specializes in indigenous grapes such as Zweigelt (pronounced TSVYE-gelt). If you're not familiar with Zweigelt, Artner Rosé and Zweigelt Klassik are delicious introductions to this red grape.


Rosé continues its refreshing reign as the official wine of summer and Artner is a delicious sip for the season. A lovely expression of the Zweigelt grape, juicy flavors of strawberries and raspberries are balanced by an elegant minerality and a subtle herbaceousness. $14


A beautiful shade of ruby red, Artner Zweigelt Klassik is a lovely introduction to a classic expression of the varietal. Lively and light-bodied, this wine dances on the palate with nuanced flavors of pomegranate, hibiscus, and black cherry; with an appealing touch of earthiness and spice on the finish. And who says you can't enjoy red wine on a hot day - Zweigelt is great served slightly chilled! $16