Roter Veltliner

Roter Veltliner is a white-wine grape despite the word red in its name, which refers to the berries' skin. It is particularly associated with Austria's Wagram and should not be confused with Grüner Veltliner. The shared surname hides distinct grapes, so buying one with the expectation that it is simply a coloured version of the other is misleading.

Its wines can have substantial body, a broad texture and a quieter aromatic profile, with the best examples keeping enough freshness to hold that richness together. Vineyard and yield choices matter to the balance. A basic young bottle and a serious single-vineyard expression can therefore be very different purchases, even when both are made dry.

Use a fuller dry Roter Veltliner with roast poultry, rich vegetable dishes or fish with a sauce, where a very lean white would feel too slight. Give it enough warmth in the glass to reveal its texture. If comparing it with Grüner Veltliner, notice their differences directly rather than expecting the same peppery or crisp profile under another name.