Diemersdal, Durbanville

IN AUSTRIA, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, it is one of the most widely planted grape varieties. It’s also to be found in the winelands of Hungary and New Zealand, as well as on the winelists of certain top restaurants in the UK and USA. In South Africa, however, Grüner Veltliner was pretty much unheard of until Diemersdal of Durbanville produced their first wine from it in 2013, followed by the first commercial release in 2015, the grapes harvested in 2014 from a small (3ha) vineyard planted in 2010.

What prompted Diemersdal proprietor Thys Louw to go to the trouble he did in getting the plant material to the Cape? “Because I like it!” he quipped at the time of the launch. But dig a little deeper and you find that Grüner Veltliner has been likened to Sauvignon Blanc, which the Austrians are also pretty good at, and which Diemersdal specialises in big time.

It stands to reason that what makes for ideal conditions to grow Sauvignon Blanc should work just as well for Grüner Veltliner. Interestingly, though, while very niche and still fairly unique in South Africa, it is positioned as quaffable, i.e. very affordable – less than the asking price for half a dozen or so wines in the estate’s range of different Sauvignons. Not that it looks like one these days – the bottle shape having changed from that used for the SB to that which might well make you think of Riesling.

DIEMERSDAL GRÜNER VELTLINER 2022
WO Cape Town: Durbanville. Unirrigated vineyard planted in soils of decomposed granite with high clay content. Grapes picked in the early morning, the juice given six hours’ contact with the grape skins before pressing. Wine fermented with Grüner Veltliner yeast from Austria. Matured on the lees (spent yeast) for 6 months, stirred once a week.
Alc 13 | RS 1.9 | TA 6.1 | pH 3.2
From Producer’s Tasting Notes: A lemon-lime colour. Aromas of kiwi, stone fruit and lime, with flavours of sweet melon, ripe pear and a note of white pepper. Medium-bodied, with a concentrated palate and a lingering, mineral finish.
Food Pairing Suggestions: Top of the list are Asian-inspired dishes with spicy and fragrant aromas. Grüner Veltliner pairs well with seafood dishes, salads and greens such as asparagus and artichokes. For meatier dishes, pair with grilled chicken breast, or pork tenderloin – or an Austrian favourite, Wiener schnitzel.
R100pb ex-cellar.

Also in this series:
• AA Badenhorst Sout van die Aarde Palomino
• Ayama Vermentino
• Bosman Nero (d’Avola)
• DaschBosch Avon Clairette Blanche
• Kloovenburg Lledoner Pelut
• Lemberg Hárslevelü
• Lowerland Tolbos Tannat
• Lozärn Carménère
• Newton Johnson Albarino
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Ltd Release Therona