Rotgipfler

This is a wine made from the Austrian grape Rotgipfler. Known since the 19th century, it has been identified as a cross between Traminer and Roter Veltliner. Although Gruner Veltliner is also known as Weissgipfler, the two grapes have not been shown to be related. Found mainly in the Gompoldskirchen area of Thermenregion, Rotgipfler is often blended with Zierfandler (also known as Spatrot) to make the wine Spatrot-Rotgipler, which is often produced as a Pradikatswein.

I tasted this wine at last year's Wine Fair. Pale straw with a slightly sweet spicy fruity nose, the palate was soft and aromatic with hints of spice. A spicy acid backbone with a hint of sweetness provided ample structural support.