Keeping vines in central and northern Europe is hard. In contrast to Mediterranean climates where vines seem to spring out from the rocks all by themselves, it takes patience, backbreaking labor, and long-term dedication to convince them to grow in places like Germany and Austria. This is why monasteries are a recurring viticultural motif in this part of Europe. Monks had the time, the land, and the resources to invest in vineyards. The grand monastery of Stift Goetweig is one of the prime examples. One of the largest wineries in Austria for almost 1000 years, Stift Goettweig makes this iconic peppery Gruner Veltliner, originally their basic wine for Sunday mass but now a well-priced classic for any day of the week. Aromas of white pepper and green apple and yellow peach. The palate has surprising weight but no lack of energy to go with flavors of white strawberry, apple sauce, acacia flower and pepper. Like all the best Gruner Veltliner, serve with almost anything other than red meats.