Managers’ Choice: Zocker Grüner Veltliner 2019/20, Edna Valley

Every year, we ask our store managers to choose their favourite bottle of wine from a delicious pool of contenders. This was their winner for 2022, and once you’ve tried it you’ll certainly see why. Grüner Veltliner isn’t a grape that’s often seen in California, so growing it there was something of a risk for the Zocker winery. But they stayed true to their name – which means ‘gambler’ in German – and the result is this innovative, aromatic white. It’s made with grapes from a single vineyard in Edna Valley, where cool ocean breezes give the fruit plenty of time to ripen and develop complex flavours. It’s full of lively lemon, lime and ripe melon notes, with hints of candied ginger and a characteristic kick of white pepper. Its refreshing, steely minerality makes it a great choice for rich and creamy goat’s cheese dishes.