Rabl Gruner Veltliner 2018

Rabl Grüner Veltliner 2018, Kamptal, Austria, 12%

(£9.50, Marks & Spencer)

There was a time when the Grüner Veltliner grape variety was touted as the next big thing that was going to take over the wine world.

It hasn’t really happened.

Notwithstanding, it’s still a great grape to get to know, especially when it’s made well.

I make the point because there are currently way too many Grüners on the UK high street that are thin, weedy and just plain boring.

To be really good, this variety needs coaxing to full ripeness and thus express its fleshy, gloriously rounded and complex potential.

This is a great example, and at a wonderful price. It has a rich texture, elegant flavour profile and evocative aromas. All for under a tenner.

(Peter, 6.5/10, Oct 2019)

These were some other highlights from the M&S tasting in October 2019. The Valpolicella Ripasso is a particular highlight in the reds

Sparkling – Let’s Get Fizzical

  • Cava Brut NV, 11.5%, Spain, £7
  • Colle del Principe Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore NV, 11%, Italy, £12
  • Vintage Cava 2015, 12%, Spain, £12

White – Fresh & Racy

  • Les Figuerettes Picpoul 2018, 12.5%, France, £8
  • Denbies Bacchus 2018, 11.5%, England, £14
  • Domaine Pierre de Préhy Chablis 2017, 12.5%, France, £15

White – Mellow Yellow

  • Grillo 2018, 13%, Italy, £7
  • Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2018 13%, Italy, £7
  • Ken Forrester Workhorse Chenin Blanc 2018, 13%, South Africa, £8
  • Rabl Grüner Veltliner 2018, Kamptal, Austria, 12%, £9.50

Red – Feeling Fruity

  • Cotes du Rhone 2018, 14.5%, France, £6
  • Barbera d’Asti 2017, 14%, Italy, £8.50
  • Cote de Charme Cabernet Franc 2018, 11.5%, France, £9
  • Clocktower Pinot Noir 2017, 13%, New Zealand, £12
  • Crozes-Hermitage 2017, 12.5%, France, £13
  • Earth’s End Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017, 13.5%, New Zealand, £15

Red – Big Smoothie

  • Cotes du Rhone Villages Plan de Dieu 2018, 14%, France, £9
  • Monteflores Malbec 2018, 13.5%, Argentina, £10
  • Valpolicella Ripasso 2017, 13.5%, Italy, £10.50
  • Campo Aldea Rioja Graciano Reserva 2015, 14%, Spain, £12
  • Levantine by Chateau Musar 2017, 14%, Lebanon, £16.50
  • Contino Rioja 2015, 14%, Spain, £25