Laurenz V Singing Grüner Veltliner 2020 Austria 75cl

Laurenz V is the Grüner Veltliner project of Laurenz Maria Moser, a fifth-generation member of one of Austria’s best-known winemaking families. Rather than spread across many grapes, the house has chosen to concentrate on Grüner, believing the variety deserves a producer devoted to it, and it makes the wines in a friendly, expressive style that lets the grape do the talking rather than the cellar.

Singing is the entry point to the range and a pure expression of Grüner Veltliner, Austria’s signature white grape. The name captures the intention: a lively, aromatic wine built for easy drinking and early enjoyment rather than long ageing. Grüner is prized for its crisp acidity and gentle peppery character, qualities that make it one of the most food-friendly whites around and a favourite of sommeliers.

The 2020 vintage gives a fresh, clean style with plenty of zip. It is the sort of bottle made to be enjoyed young, while its citrus fruit and mineral edge are at their most vivid, so there is no need to cellar it.

Expect a nose of lime, green apple and a twist of white pepper, carried by bright acidity and a clean, refreshing finish. Serve it well chilled as an aperitif, or alongside lighter dishes such as grilled fish, fresh salads, sushi or vegetable-forward plates. Its freshness also makes it a rare white that copes well with tricky ingredients such as asparagus.

If you enjoy a dry, zesty white with a little more personality than the usual crowd-pleasers, such as Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling, Grüner Veltliner is a natural next step, and Singing is an approachable, well-priced way in.