Aromatics Symposium Tempts Winemakers to Austrian Variety

October 15 2012

2013 Aromatics Symposium Tempts Winemakers to Consider ‘Groovy’ Austrian Variety

Nelson International Aromatics Symposium 2013 is promising to spark some weighty discussions on the merits of growing more Grüner Veltliner, (pronounced ‘Grew-na Felt-leena’) grapes in New Zealand.

The symposium is on over two days from noon on Friday February 1st to 2.30pm on Saturday February 2nd 2013 at the Moutere Hills Community Centre, Upper Moutere, Nelson. It has been specially timed to lead on from the Pinot Noir conference in Wellington- which ends on Thursday January 31st - so that wine delegates can attend both.

The organisers of the triennial symposium have brought out award-winning Austrian winemaker Markus Huber to give the key note speech on the Grüner Veltliner variety which is Austria’s most popular white wine and has been popularised by the nickname ‘Gru-vee’

Chairman of the Nelson International Aromatics Symposium, Patrick Stowe, says it’s exciting to have someone of Markus’s calibre to enthuse winemakers.

“Markus has an unquenchable passion for Grüner Veltliner and I know that with his practical knowledge of growing, winemaking and the marketing of this grape he’s sure to give delegates some inspiration about the variety.”

The other star of the symposium will be Riesling with much anticipation about tasting some fine Austrian examples and a comparative tasting session of aged and recent vintages from Nelson.

Patrick Stowe says they’re expecting over 150 people to attend and have already confirmed delegates from the USA, Sweden and Australia well as a host of respected wine experts and vintners from across New Zealand.

“We have designed the programme to specifically fit the needs of delegates with a robust range of talks, panel discussions, tastings and workshops across two days.

Markus Huber has been described by international wine commentators as a ‘wonder child’, and a winemaker to watch as he follows in his family’s 200 year old wine-making tradition. Markus has many accolades under his belt including being 4 times Winner of the Falstaff Grüner Veltliner Grand Prix, Best White Wine Producer' at the London International Wine & Spirit Competition 2006 and several times Grüner Veltliner winner at the Salon Österreichischer Wein.

Grüner Veltliner is only produced by a couple dozen vineyards o f vineyards in New Zealand but Markus Huber is keen to help it become more mainstream here.

As well as the serious business of wine knowledge, the organisers have included some fun social events to aid the discussions including a unique picnic dinner at Neudorf Vineyards listening to the acclaimed Wellington Ukulele Orchestra.

Patrick Stowe says due to anticipated demand, potential delegates are urged to book soon and take advantage of early bird ticket prices of $270 + GSTand to make sure they get the flights they need to make the noon start time on Friday February 1st.

For the programme and to register please visit www.nelsonwineart.co.nz

ENDS

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