Veyder-Malberg Grüner Veltliner Liebedich 2024

Veyder-Malberg Gruner Veltliner Liebedich is a Gruner Veltliner from Peter Veyder-Malberg, who bought steep slate terraces at Spitz in the western Wachau in 2007 and farms them by hand to preserve the landscape. The Wachau follows the Danube through Lower Austria, and these primary-rock terraces of slate and gneiss drain fast and store heat, while the cool air drawn down the valley at night widens the diurnal range and keeps the fruit fresh and finely aromatic. The wine is aged on its lees, which adds texture and a subtle savoury depth to a naturally light-bodied style at 11.5 percent alcohol. Low-intervention, organic winemaking keeps the focus on transparency of site rather than added flavour. The colour is pale straw with a green tint. The nose is precise and cool, with green apple, lemon and white peach over wet stone and a lift of white pepper, the signature of good Gruner. The palate is dry and taut, the citrus and orchard fruit carried by bright acidity and a clean mineral finish. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees.