Grüner Veltliner
In 2002, Jancis Robinson visited Lark Hill, and proclaimed our vineyard site perfect for Grüner Veltliner - a variety otherwise unknown to us and not yet grown in Australia. As we began tasting Biodynamic wines from Europe (as part of our interest and research into the transition to Biodynamic farming), we encountered many examples of Grüner Veltliner from Austria, where it is planted in similar climates to Riesling. ;)
Ripping the Gruner block before plantingWith so many obvious connections, including the Biodynamic link (Austria was the birthplace of Rudolph Steiner, who pioneered Biodynamic farming), we felt that Grüner Veltliner was destined for Lark Hill. After several years of searching for planting material, we were given cuttings from 2 vines from a private collection in Tasmania. We propagated from these 20 "mother vines" and have been planting the cuttings each year to expand our vineyard.
In 2009, Lark Hill pioneered Grüner Veltliner in Australia- releasing the first vintage of this exciting Austrian vintage.
Grüner Veltliner is a spicy, phenolic variety that produces something that we could only describe as the big brother to Riesling. It shares the same intensity of acid and purity of fruit, but brings a spicy element to its fruit palate. Best of all, it is a textural variety, with appreciable mouthfeel and savoury elements that make it one of the best food wines we have encountered.
Partner Grüner Veltliner with white fish, shellfish or even subtle charcuterie.
G-V cellars well - the acid helps preserve freshness (as with Riesling or Semillon) and the spicyness helps integrate toasty bottle age characters.;)
Gruner Veltliner vines - Spring 2011
If you're like us and passionate about Grüner Veltliner, you can join our G-V club.
Members will receive 6 bottles on pre-release of each vintage of Lark Hill Grüner Veltliner (early Spring) at a G-V club only price (15% off).
Members will also be invited to a Grüner Veltliner themed lunch at Lark Hill restaurant, where we will be matching lovely organic food with our previous vintages of Grüner Veltliner, as well as a preview taste of the next vintage from barrel.
The lunch will be held in June each year and dates advised by email to members.
How to join;
Simply purchase 6 bottles (or more) of Grüner Veltliner to join the club.
Membership is maitained by continuing to purchase a minumum of 6 bottles/year.
To start your membership; click here to read about our Grüner Veltliner and place your order.