Feb 01: Gruener Veltliner, also known as GruVee in its short and easily pronounceable form, is an excellent white wine from Austria and produced by Domaene Gobelsburg in Kamptal and imported by Aspri Spirits and Wines, is an excellent white wine for connoisseurs at Rs. 1898 in Bangalore; but the price is rather high in Mumbai and Delhi (Rs.3810), writes Subhash Arora
The Bangalore price for Gruener Veltliner is Rs 1898 and is available in Madhuloka, Drops, Liquor Mart, Dewars and 1 MG Mall Foodhall stores.
However, the price is unpalatable in Delhi at Rs. 3610 and even in Mumbai at Rs.2710. It might be better if one had some contact in Bangalore and could carry to their city of consumption; 5 liters of wine per passenger may be transported by air.
Interestingly, it is priced at an inexplicably high price of Rs. 2010 at the Delhi Duty Free Shop (higher than in Bagnalore). It was available at a special price @50% discount for a few days a couple of weeks ago-a steal at Rs. 1005 but unfortunately the offer was withdrawn before the blink of an eye.
It is the most important autochthonous grape variety cultivated in Austria. It became the most widely planted variety in Austria in the 1950s .Today, it is widely planted especially in Lower Austria and northern Burgenland. The cultivation decreased by 22% between 1999 and 2009 but still maintains the dominant position in Austria's total vineyard surface area.
It is a very pure, mineral and food-friendly wine with citrus and apply flavours, capable of aging: it stands comparison with some of the great wines of the world. In recent blind tastings organized by the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (AWMB) Gruener Veltliner beat world-class Chardonnays from the likes of Maison Louis Latour. Michael Moosbrugger, owner of Gobelsburg claims the wine can last over 10 years though it will change its character. Some of their Gruvees have been 
stored for over 60 years and are still improving.
The quality of Schloss Gobelsburg wines has been going up steadily over the last decade, making it an Austrian producer to watch. A few months ago, their top-ended Ried Heiligenstein Kamptal DAC Riesling 2015 won 5 Awards-including the Best white wine of the Show, Best Austrian wine, International/Regional Trophy for white wine-and Best Value for Money wine in the premium category of 5,000 yens+ (over €37.50) in an international wine competition in Japan.
It is our belief that one ought to drink the lower ended wines from good producers as the quality of superior winemaking is generally carried out for the low ended wines as well-unless the wine is being purchased from outside and branded to cash in on the popularity of the brand. Gruener Veltliner from Gobelsburg is made in-house by the producer.
Excise inequalities
Confirming the vast price variation, Arun Kumar, Director of Aspri Spirits says, ‘The difference between prices in these cities is local excise duties and taxes and also a result of retail mechanics which is different across cities.’
Excise duties are much lower in the progressive state of Karnataka and also in Maharashtra. Besides, Retail stores in Delhi expect very high margins up to 30% of the MRP.
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Passing By: Michael Moosbrugger of Schloss Gobelsburg in Austria
Subhash Arora
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