2021 Velich Welschriesling

Welshriesling is no relation to the more famous Riesling grape variety. Grown extensively in Croatia and known variously as Italian Riesling, Grãsevina and even Rizling, Welschriesling is actually the second most planted white variety in Austria behind Grüner Veltliner and is more often than not seen as a sweet wine, or as an every day ‘table’ wine with little character. Lacking character is not something that could be said about the wines that Heinz puts his
name to and this Welschriesling is no different.

Such is the Velich way, Heinz allows the grapes time to achieve a higher level of ripeness than the norm. Spontaneously fermented to dryness in stainless steel the wine is allowed time on the full lees in order to build in texture and interest without compromising any of its cheerful drinking charm with no additions with the exception of a small amount of sulphur at bottling.

“Intensely spicy with a soft mineral character; its lively interplay of fruit and acid juicy fills the mouthfeel and despite the high standards and high-quality workmanship, it is and remains a cheerful, uncomplicated drinking wine, characterized by piquant saltiness as well as yeasty, citrus-fruity freshness. Together they trigger a mouth-watering drinking flow” – Heinz Velich