Tales From The Cellar

Markus Huber

Beltramo’s Wine Club members were the first to taste one of the new arrival 2011 whites from Markus Huber. The wines, I think, are some of the highest quality/price ratio wines coming out of Austria.

We had the opportunity to meet young Markus Huber several weeks ago: it was a total pleasure. The Huber Family has been making wines since the 17^th century. Now in its 10th generation, the winery has established themselves as the leading producer of the region Traisental.

Many great wines of the world are grown on limestone rich soil, and the Traisental valley is the only wine producing region of lower Austria where this exact soil type can be found. The limestone soil here forms the base of the finest sites for growing wine. This unique soil formation is rich with precious minerals and helps to keep the water supply to the vines at an optimum level. It provides their 2011 Grüner Veltliner ($15.99) with an unmistakable spiciness, minerality and vivid clarity, and their 2011 Riesling “Terrassen” ($15.99) with almost painful intensity, wild perfume and precision.

After tasting through the rest of the lineup including some dazzling single vineyard wines, Markus poured a splash of his Hugo sparkling rose($14.99), an uncomplicated, refreshing blend of Zweigelt and Pinot Noir.

As the weather starts to warm, try these fresh vibrant wines, ideal as an aperitif or with grilled fish preparations.

Howard Padgett, Imported Wine Buyer