1999 Nikolaihof Grüner Veltliner Süssenberg

Nikolaihof calls itself the oldest wine estate in Austria, dating its history back to the Romans, who built walls around what is now the estate. Vineyards have been on the estate since the 5th century when monks started making wine. In the late 19th century it was acquired by the Saahs family, which has been farming biodynamically since the early 1970s. The 60-acre estate in Wachau produces Riesling, Gruner Veltliner, Weissburgunder, Malvasier, Neuburger and Chardonnay. The 1995 Nikolaihof Vinothek Riesling was the first Austrian wine to earn 100 pts from The Wine Advocate.

This white grape is widely grown in Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia. As a wine, it is food friendly and has beaten top Chardonnays in blind tastings. It compares to a white Burgundy in richness and texture, and offers an exotic alternative to Sauvignon Blanc.