Brave Roots Grüner Veltliner 2024 is a striking expression of Marlborough’s hidden versatility from the innovative team at Brave Roots Wine, a boutique producer redefining New Zealand’s white wine scene with European heritage and local insight. Rooted in Marlborough’s Southern Valley on heavy clay soils that echo Grüner’s alpine origins, this dry white breaks from the region’s Sauvignon Blanc tradition to deliver something truly distinctive. Crafted by Ukrainian winemakers Alina and Masha, Brave Roots embraces diversity in the vineyard and in the glass, coaxing pristine fruit that captures both terroir and personality in every bottle. On the palate, this 2024 Grüner Veltliner sparkles with crisp green apple, bright lime zest, and a hint of white pepper, underpinned by vibrant acidity and a mineral-rich, stony finish that speaks of Marlborough’s river-stone soils. Aged on fine lees for seven months with a careful balance of stainless steel and seasoned French oak influence, it is a wine that manages to be both lively and nuanced, with a spicy, savoury edge that keeps every sip interesting. This expression earned 94 points from Cameron Douglas MS, marking it as a standout release in its class. Brave Roots Grüner Veltliner is the perfect choice for food-centric occasions, think fresh oysters with lemon, asparagus and goat cheese tarts, or golden chicken schnitzel, and rewards exploration with a range of light to vibrant dishes. Whether enjoyed now for its crisp vitality or cellared over the next few years to explore further complexity, this wine offers a fresh, modern voice for one of the world’s most intriguing white grape varieties. Why we love this wine? We love the sparkly energy of this wine and how it shows the diverse potential Marlborough.
