Früg Grüner Veltliner 2022

Frug is an exciting new addition to Jenny & François' labels, born from an exclusive collaboration between them and carefully selected winemakers. These wines are designed to be both environmentally friendly and budget-conscious. Highlighting this concept, the packaging features a plump 1-liter bottle, a nod to this volume's Central European tradition of bottling everyday wines.

The Wurzinger winery, situated in the southeastern part of Burgenland near the Hungarian border, was established by the current owner's grandfather. Josef took over from his parents in 1991 and gradually transitioned the vineyard to organic farming, achieving certification in 2014. He explains that the gradual shift allowed the vines to adapt while maintaining the quality and fruitiness of their wines.

The winery focuses on typical Austrian grapes, such as Grüner Veltliner, a variety almost synonymous with Austrian white wine since its introduction around 1550 and Zweigelt for rosé and red wines. Zweigelt, a cross of St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch was bred in 1922 by the local viticulturist of the same name.

The name Frug, inspired by a 1960s dance known for its vibrant and energetic moves, reflects the lively nature of the wine. The colorful label, designed by Jenny Lefcourt's brother in collaboration with her husband, was suggested by artist and Austrian wine promoter Toni Silver. She explains that her retro inclination led her to remember fun dances from the 60s, like the Twist, Mashed Potato, and the Frug. This inspiration aligns perfectly with the playful and vibrant spirit of Frug wines, which are sure to bring a sense of joy and movement to any gathering.

Styria, also known as Steiermark, is a prominent wine region in southeastern Austria. It is known for its diverse and unique wine production, particularly its white wines. The area spans approximately 4,600 hectares of vineyards and is divided into three main subregions: Südsteiermark, Vulkanland Steiermark, and Weststeiermark.

The climate in Styria is a blend of Mediterranean and continental influences, providing a long growing season that enhances the complexity of the wines. The region is characterized by its hilly and sometimes mountainous terrain, with many vineyards planted on steep slopes to maximize sunlight exposure and benefit from the prevailing winds.

Sauvignon Blanc is the flagship grape variety in Styria, particularly in Südsteiermark, which is renowned for its aromatic and high-quality Sauvignon Blanc wines. Other significant white varieties include Welschriesling, Chardonnay (locally known as Morillon), Pinot Blanc, and Muscat Blanc. Vulkanland Steiermark is notable for its Traminer wines, Gewürztraminer and Savagnin, which thrive in the region's high-altitude limestone soils.

Weststeiermark is famous for its Schilcher rosé, made from the indigenous Blauer Wildbacher grape. This variety is known for producing wines with high acidity and a distinctive character. Although less common, the red wines of Styria include Pinot Noir, Zweigelt, and Saint Laurent, which perform well in the region's terroir.

The soils in Styria are diverse, ranging from sedimentary soils in the Styrian Basin to rocky limestone and clay soils in the higher altitudes. This geological variety contributes to Styrian wines' distinctiveness, freshness, elegance, and aromatic brilliance.

Styria produces around 7% of Austria's total wine output, with most of the production being consumed locally. Despite its smaller scale, the region's commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a respected place in the international wine community.