Wine grapes are some of the most complex and interesting biological organisms with varied DNA. They have everything needed to make a vast array of styles and flavors of wine. St. Julian is introducing and planting new varieties all the time. Like one of the newest additions to the 90 grape varieties St. Julian harvests: Grüner Veltliner.

Grüner Veltliner is the name of the grape and the wine. It’s one of those varieties that people have either never heard of or can’t pronounce (Groo-ner Velt-leen-er), but it’s quickly becoming a hot cool climate wine. 

Grüner Veltliner is an Austrian varietal whose name means “green grape from the village of Veltlin.” Originally from the foothills of the Alps, this cool climate grape thrives in the Lake Michigan Shore Appellation. Dry, with higher acidity, and a light body, it’s a refreshing wine with a ton of character. Grapes for the Braganini Reserve Grüner Veltliner were grown just 3 miles from the winery at Oxley Estate in Lawton, by grower partners Ed and Phyllis Oxley. It grows so well here that they planted more vines after they tasted the results.

Grüner generally sings with bright citrus fruit, a mouthwatering acidity, and an herbal note that appeals to fans of Sauvignon Blanc. Yet, it has this beautiful white blossom profile that sets it apart and makes it so fascinating. The Braganini Reserve Grüner Veltliner is a winner of a Double Gold Award at the Tasters Guild International. It is fresh and tangy with flavors of lemon, lime, grapefruit, and apricot. You will notice a hint of green herbs and minerality.

It has a higher acid level like Riesling, and this is one of the reasons it’s so food-friendly. Famous Austrian Chef Wolfgang Puck is credited with saying his perfect meal is classic Wiener Schnitzel with a glass of Grüner Veltliner. The wine’s high acidity makes it a great pairing for fried food, much in the same way that sparkling wine helps elevate anything fried. Vegetarian dishes bring out the herbal notes, like Thai coconut curry, black bean tacos, basil pesto pasta, and roasted sweet potatoes. In addition, lean white fish loves Grüner and we know you will too!