The Roter Veltliner’s role as the parent variety of the Veltliner family places it at the heart of Austrian viticulture.
Its ability to produce wines of great complexity, balance, and aging potential makes it an exciting choice for wine lovers and collectors alike. Recent trends show a renewed interest in this unique variety, with many winemakers focusing on crafting wines that highlight the Roter Veltliner’s best qualities.
Cultivated predominantly in the Wagram region, this grape plays a crucial role in shaping Austria's wine culture. Its versatile and distinctive character has made it one of the most exciting varieties to explore in the 2023 vintage.
The Roter Veltliner’s diverse forms, such as Weißroter Veltliner, Brauner Veltliner, Silberweißer Veltliner, and Gelbling, provide a rich spectrum of characteristics, further enhancing its importance in Austrian viticulture. With recent stabilization in vineyard cultivation, especially in the Wagram region, the Roter Veltliner is gaining recognition for its ability to age beautifully and pair with a wide range of dishes.
Here are VinoVistara’s Top 5 Roter Veltliner 2023 vintage wines that exemplify the distinct character and finesse of this indigenous grape:
1. Weingut Leth Roter Veltliner Ried Scheiben 1ÖTW
The 2023 vintage is a fantastic example of Roter Veltliner’s depth and complexity. On the nose, it reveals an intriguing mix of dried fruits and red mirabelles, complemented by citrus notes of orange zest and mandarin. The palate delivers a smoky spiciness, enhancing its fullness and velvety texture, with well-integrated acidity providing balance. Its long, resonant finish leaves a lasting impression, showcasing the wine’s remarkable complexity. A wine that beautifully highlights the Roter Veltliner’s ability to age gracefully.
2. Weingut Josef Fritz Roter Veltliner Ried Mordthal 1ÖTW Erste Lage 2023
With aromas of almond, ripe pear, and subtle caramel, the vintage demonstrates a rich and multifaceted character. Notes of pear compote, honeydew melon, and physalis combine with a delicate smoky undertone, providing a layered and harmonious experience on the palate. Its well-integrated acidity creates a seamless balance, allowing the wine to be a versatile companion to a wide variety of foods. The wine offers a glimpse of the true potential of Roter Veltliner and the depth of flavors it can develop.
3. Weingut Schuster Roter Veltliner Ried Berg Eisenhut
The wine offers a charming and elegant expression of this unique grape. Exotic fruit nuances of passion fruit blend with fine spices, while a hint of walnut shell adds complexity. On the palate, the wine’s soft texture and silky finish make it a delightful accompaniment to food. Its delicate balance of freshness and richness showcases the versatility of Roter Veltliner, making it a perfect partner for both light and richly flavored dishes.
4. Weingut Mantler31 Roter Veltliner Ried Diebsnest
A wine with power and character, it presents a bold yet balanced profile. Aromas of candied apple, ripe pear, and caramel lead the way, followed by a cool, spicy finish with a touch of white pepper. On the palate, it has a creamy texture and fresh fruitiness, with well-harmonized acidity that adds structure. This wine exemplifies Roter Veltliner’s complexity, offering both a delightful drinking experience now and significant aging potential for years to come.
5. Winzerhaus Hans Schöller Roter Veltliner Ried Bergen
The wine highlights the grape’s elegant side, with exotic fruit notes beautifully complemented by fine spices and a touch of walnut shell. On the palate, the soft texture and silky mouthfeel make it an excellent choice for pairing with food. This wine is perfect for those looking to experience the delicate yet compelling nature of Roter Veltliner, offering a refined and harmonious profile that works wonderfully with a wide array of dishes.
The Legacy of Roter Veltliner
Thanks to its harmonious sweet-acid balance, Roter Veltliner pairs excellently with robust white meat dishes, especially those with rich sauces. It also shines with aged cheeses, mushrooms (like morels and porcini), and Asian cuisine, making it an extremely versatile wine. As the grape continues to gain recognition, the 2023 vintage offers a perfect introduction to its charm.
At VinoVistara, we are proud to present these Top 5 Roter Veltliner 2023 vintage wines, which showcase the best that this historic grape has to offer. Whether you are a long-time enthusiast or new to Roter Veltliner, these wines are sure to captivate and inspire.