A variety of Austrian origin that, according to the latest research, is a natural crossing between Traminer and St Georgen. The latter is named after a village near the Leithagebirge in the Burgenland. It is not related to the other Veltelini varieties (Piros Veltelini, Korai Piros Veltelini)
It is the most common variety in Austria and is found mainly in Lower Austria, Burgenland and the provinces of Vienna. Many protected designations of origin (DAC) in Austria have focussed on Grüner Veltliner as their most typical variety and have achieved considerable success, proof of its high quality. It is rarely found in Germany or in the New World, but it can be found in Austria's neighbouring countries, thus of course in Hungary.
It is cultivated on almost 1,500 hectares in Hungary and is proportionally most significant in the Etyek-Buda, Balatonboglár and Sopron wine districts, while there are most plantings in Balatonboglár. It thrives on loess and does not do well in drought conditions. It usually produces light, fruity, spicy wines, but is also popular in sparkling base wine thanks to its high acidity.
Wines are rarely truly powerful, spicy or oak aged, as the emphasis is usually on fruitiness and lightness.
The variety is taken very seriously in its homeland and it produces truly enticing, characterful wines, which tend to age well thanks to their high quality. They can even stand their ground among top Chardonnays and Rieslings in blind tastings.
The wines are characterised by citrus fruit, lime and green notes as well as stone fruit and a pronounced spicy note, which is often described as white, black or pink pepper, the variety's main character.