There is indeed green wine for St. Patrick's Day! While green wine typically refers to Vinho Verde from Portugal, which gets its name from the lush green landscape of the region, there are other options that fit the green theme of the holiday.
One of our favorite green wines for St. Patrick's Day is gruner veltliner. This Austrian white wine is often packaged in beautiful green bottles, making it a perfect choice for the occasion. Gruner veltliner is known for its light and fresh character, with vibrant acidity that gives your taste buds a delightful tingle. It also often exhibits herbal notes, which adds to its green appeal.
The acidity in gruner veltliner makes it incredibly refreshing, which is perfect for celebrating on St. Patrick's Day. Whether you're enjoying a sunny day outdoors or celebrating indoors with friends, a glass of gruner veltliner can be a great companion. Its zippy acidity can help cut through rich and hearty foods, making it a versatile wine for pairing with a variety of dishes.
When it comes to the flavor profile of gruner veltliner, you can expect a range of characteristics. While it can vary depending on the specific wine and producer, common flavors include green apple, citrus, white pepper, and sometimes even a touch of floral or honeyed notes. These flavors, combined with the wine's crisp acidity, create a refreshing and vibrant drinking experience.
If you're looking to try gruner veltliner for St. Patrick's Day, here are two recommendations that we particularly enjoy:
1. Weingut Stadt Krems Gruner Veltliner: This wine hails from the prestigious Wachau region in Austria. It offers a wonderful balance of fruitiness and acidity, with flavors of green apple, citrus, and a hint of white pepper. It pairs well with seafood, salads, and light vegetarian dishes.
2. Laurenz V Singing Gruner Veltliner: This wine is produced by Laurenz Moser, one of Austria's most renowned gruner veltliner producers. It showcases the classic gruner veltliner characteristics, with vibrant acidity, flavors of green apple and lime, and a touch of minerality. It pairs well with a range of foods, from grilled vegetables to poultry dishes.
Both of these wines come in eye-catching green bottles that are sure to add a festive touch to your St. Patrick's Day celebrations. So, grab a bottle or two, raise a glass, and enjoy the lively and refreshing flavors of gruner veltliner this holiday.
Remember to drink responsibly and savor the experience. Sláinte!