2023 Handorf Hill Reserve Gruner Veltliner

Hahndorf Hill have been flying the Grüner flag in Australia for over a decade now, and this Reserve bottling is the most serious expression in their line-up. Handpicked from the ripest parcels, wild-fermented in big old oak, left on lees for close to a year, then tucked away for another before release - it’s made with the same care you’d expect from top-tier Chardonnay.

There’s plenty of depth and texture here, but it never feels heavy. Think ripe stone fruit, citrus peel and a touch of spice, all wrapped up in a savoury, chalky framework. A little bit of malolactic fermentation adds some gentle roundness, but the wine’s backbone is all clean acid and slatey drive. It recently knocked off some big-name Europeans to be crowned top Grüner at the 2025 Frankfurt Trophy - no small feat.

Built to impress now with roast pork or scallops, but it’ll age beautifully too if you’re patient.