2022 Longview Macclesfield Gruner Veltliner, Adelaide Hills

As we have stated elsewhere, and as has become well known, the Adelaide Hills has proved an ideal region for this classic Austrian variety. What might not be as well known is that Longview was one of the first to plant this variety in Australia. They have three clones, all on own rootstocks, with the vines now approaching twelve years of age. The fruit was crushed and destemmed, then chilled before a gentle pressing – only free run juice used here. A very cool ferment, through to dryness, and then immediate bottling to ensure freshness – 7,000 bottles produced. Pale dilute yellow, we have notes of pears and apples, as well as hints of almonds, dry herbs and citrus with good concentration and the finish is very long with touches of orange rind finish. Keenly balance, this is very attractive drinking now and should remain so for the next four to six years. Very successful on the show circuit.

92 points Ken Gargett for Wine Pilot

Longview Macclesfield Grüner Veltliner is one of the Adelaide Hills’ great quiet achievers, a wine that feels completely at home in the cool, elevated slopes of Macclesfield. This part of the Hills sits high and breezy, with cold nights, long ripening and soils rich in clay and ironstone over shale. It is a natural fit for Grüner Veltliner, a variety that thrives on freshness, texture and subtle savoury detail rather than overt fruit.

Longview Vineyard is a family owned estate with a strong European sensibility, and Grüner has long been one of its calling cards. Winemaker Paul White treats the variety with a light touch, picking for natural acidity and flavour clarity, fermenting gently and avoiding any winemaking tricks that would blur the line between grape and place. The aim is purity, balance and drinkability, with just enough texture to make the wine seriously food friendly.

Aromatically, the wine is bright and inviting. Nashi pear, green apple and lime zest sit alongside classic Grüner notes of white pepper, fresh herbs and a faint floral lift. There is a subtle earthy undertone that adds interest without weight, very much in keeping with Macclesfield’s cooler expression of the Hills.

On the palate, Longview Macclesfield Grüner Veltliner is crisp, textured and beautifully balanced. Pear and citrus flavours flow through the mid palate, supported by fresh acidity and a gentle phenolic grip that gives the wine shape and length. The texture is where this wine really shines, slightly chalky and mouthwatering, finishing dry with lingering spice and savoury nuance.

This is a natural at the table. It pairs brilliantly with schnitzel, roast pork, sausages, dumplings, spicy Asian dishes or fresh seafood. It is drinking beautifully now for its vibrancy and energy, but will also hold and develop extra savoury complexity over the next three to five years.

Longview Macclesfield Grüner Veltliner is confident, distinctive and deeply regional. A benchmark Australian Grüner that proves just how well the Adelaide Hills handles this versatile and endlessly drinkable variety.