From: Retz, Weinviertel, Austria
Varietal: Gruner Veltliner

Taste: This is a pale straw-yellow hue that glimmers in the glass. It offers a bright and inviting aromatic profile on the nose, bursting with citrus notes of lemon zest and grapefruit, complemented by fresh white grape juice, crisp green apple, and subtle floral nuances of white blossoms. A delicate touch of white pepper and a whisper of freshly cut herbs add a signature spice and herbal complexity to the bouquet. On the palate, this Grüner Veltliner shows a juicy green apple and ripe pear, providing a fruit-forward core balanced by zesty citrus tones of lemon and lime. A gentle minerality underpins the wine, giving it a sense of place and structure. The light, peppery finish, characteristic of the varietal, lingers with crisp, mouthwatering acidity.



Pairing: Its freshness pairs beautifully with light, herbaceous, or subtly spiced dishes, while its minerality enhances the flavors of creamy or earthy elements. To bring out the best in this wine, avoid heavy, overly rich sauces and focus on lighter preparations that allow its crispness and vibrancy to shine. Braised cod with herb yogurt is a good choice, as the delicate white fish pairs with the wine’s citrus and green apple notes. Asparagus risotto with Parmesan is another perfect pairing, with the creamy risotto balancing the wine’s acidity and its minerality complementing the earthy asparagus—a notoriously tricky vegetable for wine. For something lighter, Vietnamese shrimp spring rolls with a tangy lime and herb dipping sauce align wonderfully with Grüner Veltliner’s crisp citrus and herbal profile.



Quick-Braised Cod With Herbed Yogurt
By Melissa Clark

About: Helenental Kellerei's origins date back to 1942, when the Retz-Röschitz winegrowers' cooperative was established in Austria's northwestern wine district. This cooperative quickly gained recognition for producing high-quality wines, notably the Blauer Portugieser, which was served at the Austrian State Treaty banquet in 1955. This early success laid a strong foundation for the winery's future endeavors.

In 2013, Walther Schnopfhagen took ownership of the winery. Transitioning from a career in tax and accounting, Schnopfhagen was driven by his dream to establish Helenental Kellerei as a prominent entity in the Austrian wine industry. Reflecting on the winery's progress, he expressed, "Seeing how the Helenental Kellerei has developed since 2013 fills me with great joy and gives us the strength to face future challenges.”