Wachau

Barbara Ohlzelt represents the exciting new wave of Austrian winemaking – female-led, focused on sustainability, and dedicated to letting the vineyard speak through minimal intervention. Her 'Leader' Grüner Veltliner comes from the Kamptal region, where the cool climate and loess soils create the perfect conditions for Austria's signature white grape variety. This bottle showcases everything that makes Grüner Veltliner special – that distinctive white pepper note, vibrant acidity, and a mineral character that reflects the unique Austrian terroir. Ohlzelt farms her small parcels organically and harvests by hand, focusing on quality over quantity. The result is a wine with precision and personality that punches well above its weight class. Perfect for those looking to expand beyond the usual white wine suspects or for anyone who appreciates wines with genuine character and sense of place. It's the kind of bottle that makes you wonder why you don't drink more Austrian wine.

Zweigelt is Austria's most widely planted red grape variety, and E&M Berger's version shows exactly why it deserves more international recognition. Created in 1922 by crossing Blaufränkisch with St. Laurent, Zweigelt delivers the perfect combination of fruit-forward charm and earthy complexity. What makes this wine special is its remarkable versatility – it's got enough structure to stand up to food but is light enough to enjoy slightly chilled on a warm evening. The Berger family has been crafting wines in the Wachau region for generations, focusing on wines that express their Alpine terroir rather than following international trends. This Zweigelt is the vinous equivalent of that effortlessly cool person who doesn't need designer labels to stand out – it's confident in its identity and doesn't try to be something it's not. For those tired of the same old Pinot Noir, this offers a refreshing alternative that's familiar enough to be approachable but different enough to be interesting.

In a world where 'less is more' has become the mantra, H Schrock & Sohne boldly declares 'More is More' with this delightful Austrian white. Welschriesling (which, confusingly, has no relation to regular Riesling) is an underappreciated variety that deserves more attention, and this bottle makes a compelling case for seeking it out. From Austria's prestigious Wachau region, this wine delivers everything you could want in a crisp white – mouthwatering acidity, pure fruit expression, and a mineral backbone that speaks clearly of its terroir. The playful name hints at the generous flavor profile that unfolds with each sip. This is the kind of bottle that wine geeks treasure but remains accessible enough for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted white wine. Perfect for those looking to expand their white wine horizons beyond the usual suspects.