New Releases | 2022 Grüner Veltliner & 2020 Chicane Merlot Malbec

New Releases

2022 Grüner Veltliner

We are excited to annouce the release of our 2022 Grüner Veltliner! For those who are unfamiliar with the variety, Grüner Veltliner (grew-ner velt-lee-ner) is a native Austrian variety and accounts for nearly a third of vineyards in Austria. The variety offers a wide spectrum of flavours that range from citrus and stone fruits to more exotic spicy notes.

Steve's love of Grüner Veltliner started after doing vintage at Pittnauer in Burgenland, Austria in 2012. During his time in Austria he saw and tasted some exception examples of Grüner Veltliner which prompted him with the idea of grafting some vines over to see how the varierty would perform in the Derwent Valley. Now onto our 8th release it is safe to say the Derwent Valleys cool climate is a great match for this aromatic and textural Austrian variety.

The 2022 Grüner Veltliner is a riper style and exudes orange blossom, pear and musk on the nose. The palate is textural with subtle oak, lychee and roses. A great match with grilled artichoke or asparagus, asian spices and rich soft cheeses.

2020 Chicane Merlot Malbec

Merlot and Malbec are originally Bordeaux varities where Merlot still flourishes on the right bank of Bordeaux in St.Emillon and Pomerol. Malbec on the otherhand is still grown in smaller quantities in Bordeaux and around Cahors however it is now a key red variety in Argentina, where it grows in Mendoza at the foothills of the Andes.

The 2020 Chicane Merlot Malbec is a blend of predominantely Merlot. As both Merlot and Malbec have thicker skins than Pinot Noir the wines are more structured with elevated tannin and spend more time in French oak barrels to ensure well integrated oak and soften the tannins.

On the nose the 2020 Chicane has a creamy plum nose with black and red fruits such as cranberry, mulberry, strawberries and pomegranate. Hints of rhubarb overlay the fruit with fennel seed, clove and star anise complimenting the palate. The wine is dry with tight, chalky tannins. A good match with slow braised beef cheeks or charcoal grilled lamb shoulder. Although 2020 is a cooler year than 2019 this release of Chicane will benefit from further cellaring.

We are lucky to be able to produce and release these unique wines however, as our focus here at Stefano Lubiana Wines is on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay these releases are always limited in quantity and sell out before the following vintage! To secure the new 2022 Grüner Veltliner, 2020 Chicane Merlot Malbec or both, please follow the link below.