Neuburger

I met this grape as a minor component in a Ruster Ausbruch blend from Feiler-Artinger on the 2012 Wine Fair, but I met this grape in a varietal in last year's Wine Fair. Neuburger is a natural crossing of Roter Veltliner and Sylvaner from Wachau in Austria, but its importance is diminishing with Gruner Veltliner replacing it in many vineyards. Although it ripens early, it has inconsistent yields and in quite prone to disease. The grape produces aromatic and full bodied wines with good acidity, having aromas and flavours of almonds and honey. Younger wines can be spicy and flowery developing nutty aromas later on.

This example was a lemon yellow, with an orangey muscat nose. The orangey fruitiness (although muted) extended onto the palate, accompanied by an equally muted sweetness, well supported by a good acidic backbone.