New York Time style Magazine Japan | Elegant and edgy white wine "New Chapter" opens the door to new culinary delights
Elegant and edgy white wine "New Chapter" opens the door to new culinary delights. "New Chapter"—a white wine known only to connoisseurs. Made from the Grüner Veltliner grape, its flavor is both powerful and delicate, naturally complementing Japanese cuisine and inviting one to explore new culinary pleasures. We spoke to the winemakers to discover the allure of this wine. BY KIMIKO ANZAI APRIL 20, 2024
Those who recognize "Grüner Veltliner" as a white wine variety are likely wine enthusiasts. It has a rich citrus aroma and is very aromatic. The taste is refreshing and crisp. It is mainly produced in Austria and Germany, where it is largely consumed locally, and only about a quarter is exported globally. It is not very well known, and many people might not recognize it.
Image: Lower Austria. Grüner Veltliner blended with 1% each of Riesling, Muscatel, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. Notes of lime, white peach, and herbs, with hints of licorice and beautiful acidity. "New Chapter 2021" 750ml ¥5500, 1500ml (magnum) ¥9900. Imported by Rosinante, famous for its 'Lobmeyr' glasses. Edgy wine in an elegant glass. "Lobmeyr Ballerina Wine Glass III" ¥26,400. This summer, the 2022 vintage is expected to debut.
In Japan, Grüner Veltliner is not yet a mainstream variety, but there is a wine that has elevated it to a global level and is steadily gaining fans. That wine is "New Chapter." The creators are Lenz Moser, a renowned authority on Grüner Veltliner in Austria, and Markus Huber, a rising star winemaker. Friends for 15 years, they respect and inspire each other. Over the past few years, they have analyzed and researched this variety and realized it is typically only consumed in German-speaking areas and commonly made from grapes from a single vineyard.
Lenz Moser says, "We discussed making Grüner Veltliner that the whole world would love. A wine that makes you want to buy a second and third bottle after the first. This variety is known for its 'citrusy and refreshing' character, but that's not enough. We aimed to create a style that is complex, elegant, and finessed without being too lush."
The distinctive feature of "New Chapter" is the blending of grapes from several vineyards and the inclusion of 5% of other grape varieties, each adding 1%. This results in a flavor that is more aromatic and complex than traditional Grüner Veltliner.
Image: The renowned Grüner Veltliner region of Traisental. Located in the northeastern part of Lower Austria. The vineyards here practice biologic cultivation, respecting the natural ecosystem.
"New Chapter 2021" features aromas of lemon, grapefruit, and herbs, and its beautiful acidity captivates the drinker. Unlike traditional Grüner Veltliner, it has an underlying strength while also being filled with elegance. This wine feels like a new epoch for Grüner Veltliner, as suggested by its name "New Chapter." It pairs well with seafood and fruit-laden tarts, among other desserts. This elegant yet slightly edgy wine will undoubtedly enrich our daily meals.
Translation disclaimer: This text was translated from Japanese and may contain inaccuracies
