2023 Mordrelle Basket Press Gruner Veltliner

Martin Moran’s take on Grüner Veltliner is a little riper and rounder than the norm, but still has all the zip and savoury drive you’d want from this Austrian variety. The fruit’s from the Adelaide Hills, and Martin splits fermentation between stainless and French oak – the oak doesn’t dominate, but it gives the wine a bit more shape and depth than your average Grüner.

It spent a long time on lees – 15 months – which brings that nice textural edge without muddying the detail. You still get plenty of freshness, a bit of spice, and those subtle savoury notes that Grüner is known for, but wrapped in a fuller, more layered style. It’s not trying to copy what’s done overseas – just Martin working with what the Hills give him, and doing it well.

Definitely worth a look if you like your whites with both crunch and a bit of chew.

95 points
"A very squeaky, succulent white wine... Preserved lemon, ginger, green almond, hay and oatmeal... freshness and the savoury-derived complexity elevates the wine."
- Mike Bennie (Halliday Wine Companion)

*** Mordrelle’s beautiful labels are created from original artworks painted by Martin Moran's late father, renowned Argentinian artist Jose Luis Moran. The artworks are available for sale through the Mordrelle website.