Weingut Steininger – A True Expression of the Grape

It is not often that I will declare my favourite in any wine sense from winery to wine region, but when it comes to one certain white grape variety then I have always had my secret little gem label that I go back to.

As a lover of sparkling wines then there are countless grapes to enjoy and fall in love along with different makers, styles, terroirs and more. From tank method to triple fermentation, from white to red, from vintage to a mere nipper – Sparkling wine holds many variations.

“I will get to the point. Grüner Veltliner I knew nothing about until one day Steininger entered the Glass of Bubbly Awards and for an article I got to taste their dedicated sparkling label to this grape. From there I have explored many great wineries producing a label of 100% Grüner Veltliner and I am yet to doubt my loyalty to the Steininger label.” Christopher Walkey

When you work in the wine industry and especially within your first few years then it is all about discovering new flavours/grapes and new regions. When you hold a number of years experience then you are more inclined to explore deeper the wine regions and grape varieties you know off by heart to delve into undiscovered wineries or explore deeper those that you favour including rarer vintages etc. I am in the transition period of wine discoveries and I am now looking deeper into the regions and styles that for me have stood out.

 

So, one of my passions is out and that is the Grüner Veltliner grape and this brings me to applauding Austrian sparkling wines mostly though I have also touched upon and eager to expand experiences of the Czech Republic, Hungary and  Slovakia where this grape is grown and used.

Grape Variety – Grüner Veltliner:

• White Grape Variety
• Cool to some medium climate growing conditions
• Austria most popular country for this grape
• Still and sparkling wines

Weingut Steininger

I have yet to visit the winery yet I feel that I know them very well already. A family run wine producer located in the northern region of Austria and just a fifty minute drive from the border with the Czech Republic. The winery itself is in the town of Langenlois and their vineyards form part of the Niederösterreich (27,128ha) wine region where the Grüner Veltliner grape is in fact its most popular.

Weingut Steininger can also boast a fine family tradition to their winemaking, initially farming with a few vineyards to expanding the production annually and quality / selection of wines (sparkling wines since in 1989). Currently, three daughters now lead the winery and their global sales with Eva, Anna and Lisa.

“Good wines are only created through the perfect interplay of many factors: in addition to natural influences such as soil, climate and weather, our personal experiences and ideas also flow into our wines and thus give them a very special touch.“

I want to share Weingut Steininger with our readers as I feel they are a perfect example of expressing the grape when enjoying their wines. I recommend you explore the wide selection of sparkling wines they offer by visiting their website sales page here.

“The wines are big and bold, full of character and expressions. From the moment you open the bottle the aromas grab your attention and tempt you to taste where the sensations continue. Each is a true recognition of the grape they are produced from.“

The three labels in question I wish to take a look are a Trophy, Gold and Silver medal winner from the 2020 Glass of Bubbly Awards:

 

Steininger Grüner Veltliner 2017 (Steinhaus region):

Here is a bold expression of the grape and this is because the winery picks 50% of the harvest in September and then a further 50% in October so to have both fresh fruit / floral flavours along with deeper ripen fruits / spices. This then gives you the perfect combination so that the grape can express itself fully. Less on the acidity and more on the smooth / creamy style, fresh and crisp yet fine and elegant at the same time.

Tasting notes: “A creamy and fresh green / yellow fruit aroma that is highly expressive. A pleasant and crisp, refreshing and moreish flavour. Delicate green fruit, herbaceous and creamy petroleum. I totally get why this won a medal in the creamy category, though I am leaning towards ‘Hint of Spice’ more so.”

Steininger Sauvignon Blanc 2016:

It’s all that the Sauvignon Blanc grape tells you in your textbooks from passion fruits to asparagus, it throws out aromas as soon as the cork is popped and further comes alive when poured into the glass. Dare I say, “this isn’t just a Sauvignon Blanc sparkling wine this is Steininger Sauvignon Blanc sparkling wine“.

Tasting notes: “Very green in character throughout. Green nettles and herbs on the nose with delicate light expression of green berry fruits. Flavours show green fruits, herbs, soft lime zest. Another highly expressive wine.”

Steininger Muskateller 2018:

Once again the grapes are picked in stages to give you everything you’d want to explore in the Muskateller grape. Trophy winner for the ‘Hint of Spice’ category in 2020, the wine oozes green notes with a sprinkle of pastry and spices.

Tasting notes: “Elderflower, lime, peach, passion fruit on the nose with a sprinkling of green herbs / spices. Dry flavours initially then pleasing green fruits, petroleum, floral.“