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Weinviertel in your neighborhood 2017 – Since June 1st, Weinviertel in Your Neighborhood has been touring Munich again this year. For those interested in getting started and reading my first and second reviews (Weinviertel in Your Neighborhood 2017 & Test 1: Neo-Brasserie Hoiz as well as Test 2: To the golden calfAnyone who missed the first one can read about it here. Now it was time for my third test, at another of the 16 participating restaurants. This time I ended up at El Gaucho. The Munich El Gaucho is located right next to the Viktualienmarkt. It was sunny, it was hot, and I was craving meat and good wine from the Weinviertel region. The perfect conditions to both put the restaurant to the test and to get to know the Weinviertel wines, which are available by the glass until June 30th.

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Appetizers including Gemischter Satz from the Pfaffl winery

My third review: El Gaucho Munich – Steaks and more

Right at the start, I'd like to mention that El Gaucho already features wines from the Weinviertel region on its wine list both before and after June, the period of the "Weinviertel in Your Neighborhood 2017" promotion. So, even after June has ended, you have the opportunity to taste wines from Austria's largest wine-growing region. El Gaucho itself is known as one of the top spots for good meat, juicy steaks, knowledgeable staff who can answer virtually any question about wine and meat, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. To my shame, I must confess that the "Weinviertel in Your Neighborhood 2017" promotion was the first time I ever visited El Gaucho, simply because I hadn't had the time before. It was all the more pleasant, then, to be warmly welcomed upon entering the restaurant, to shake hands here and there, to receive the wine list (including a separate insert for the Weinviertel wines), and to choose one of the sunny spots on the terrace.

It wasn't long before I was sitting at the large table with its white tablecloth, deciding to let myself be guided through the evening, along with my companions – there were three of us at the table. The food and drink, meaning the meat and wine, were perfectly matched and, of course, with a focus on wines from the Weinviertel region, brought to our table. I had a fantastic evening and, in addition to the fine wines, quite possibly the best beef fillet I've eaten in a long time.

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Pinot Blanc Reserve from Dürnberg

The Weinviertel wines at El Gaucho

The wine list features six wines from the Weinviertel region. We started with a crisp and refreshing orange wine, "Apertus Riesling," from the Uibel winery, perfect for a summer evening. A delightful start to the evening and the prelude to the two different types of bread served with whipped butter, a small bowl of the restaurant's own spice blend, and a small bowl of vegetable antipasti (olives, mushrooms, etc.). Delicious! Before we even had a chance to choose our desired cut of meat and how it would be cooked, a friendly and exceptionally well-trained staff member came to our table with a display case of meats. He explained in detail what was on offer, which cooking level was recommended for each cut, and which part of the Argentinian beef each piece came from. Very interesting, and if you're at least as interested in meat as you are in the wonderful wines that followed, then this little "show" alone should make the visit worthwhile.

Before I tell you – just briefly, since the focus is on the wines – about the chosen menu including appetizers, main courses with various side dishes and a dessert with coffee afterwards, first a small look at the selection of Weinviertel wines.

1.) 2016 Weißburgunder Reserve Falkenstein – Weingut Dürnberg
2.) 2016 Grüner Veltliner Alte Rebe - Weingut Dürnberg
3.) 2016 Frühroter Veltliner – Weingut Uibel
4.) 2015 „Apertus“ Riesling (Orange Wine) – Uibel Winery
5.) 2016 Gemischter Satz „Symphony“ – Weingut Pfaffl

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Orange wine from the Uibel winery as a starter

The Gemischter Satz from the Pfaffl winery was served to us with our selection of three different appetizers (1. Classic premium beef tartare with butter, onion, and capers for €17 – optionally also with watercress butter and shrimp for €18 or with truffle butter and foie gras for €19; 2. Grilled scallop with asparagus, tomato hollandaise, and basil for €19 – my absolute favorite!; 3. Seared tuna sashimi with teriyaki sauce, sprouts, and coriander for €19 – very high-quality tuna!). With its fruity and spicy notes, the Gemischter Satz truly lives up to its name as an "elegant symphony." Crisp, light, and ideal for summer and paired perfectly with the chosen appetizers. Delicious, and the moment I realized I would be coming back to El Gaucho again within June – just for a glass of Weinviertel wine and a small snack, in the form of an appetizer, in case I don't have much of an appetite.

The plates were cleared promptly, and we used the time between the appetizers and main courses to explore the "Pepper Trio," specially introduced by El Gaucho. (My tip: Ask for it! Salt and pepper are, of course, also available on the table, but the three separate pepper dispensers with three different varieties (Tasmanian mountain pepper, Assam long pepper, and Voatsiperifery pepper) open a whole new door to the world of seasoning. (Have some bread brought to you, cut a piece into three pieces, spread each lightly with butter, and sprinkle each piece with a different type of pepper. This way, you can easily discover which seasoning suits you best. My favorite is the Tasmanian mountain pepper. Further information about each variety can be found on the separate pepper menu.)

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Meat, meat, and more meat!

Our cheerful group of three continued with two wines from the Dürnberg winery: a 2016 Weinviertel DAC Alte Reben and a 2016 Falkenstein Weißburgunder Reserve – my favorite of the evening. We tasted these in the order mentioned, paired with our chosen main courses. I had (sorry!) an absolutely fantastic filet mignon (150 grams Ladysteak €21, 250 grams €32, 350 grams €41, and 350 grams Churrasco €42). My companions shared a "Tomahawk steak from Duroc" – that is, herb-cured pork from the smokehouse (approx. 700 grams for €33). The way the food is presented and served alone is a true feast for any food lover. The pork roast in a box, attractively presented and topped with fresh herbs, and my beef fillet topped with a prawn from the "Pimp your Steak" category (pimping options available for €2 to €8). There are plenty of side dishes to choose from (between €4 and €5). We opted for sharing and ordered the mixed vegetables (zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions), "humitas"—corn dumplings made according to the original recipe (a must-try!), truffle gnocchi with cream, and original steak fries. (...and yes! We were full. ;-)). As I said, I'll keep it brief: Everything was excellent, even if it was a bit too much overall. If you're only moderately hungry and perhaps already had a small appetizer, a small side dish with your meat should be enough. The gnocchi, for example, are incredibly filling thanks to the cream, and anyone who likes it classic with fries will definitely be satisfied afterward. Again: The meat was cooked perfectly medium, just as requested. Take a look at the photos.

The selection of Weinviertel wines at El Gaucho Munich

Regarding the wines: The Weinviertel DAC Alte Reben is considered something of a classic in the region. Made from 25-year-old vines, it is characterized by its peppery spice and pronounced minerality, in addition to delicate grapefruit and tobacco notes. The Grüner Veltliner is juicy with great depth and tasted good, but in my opinion, it didn't quite reach the level of the Weißburgunder Reserve – also from the Dürnberg winery and from the 2016 vintage. Even the label – an excerpt from the oldest wine law book of the Weinviertel region, dating back to 1309 (see slideshow!) – whets the appetite for more and encourages tasting. I did just that while enjoying my beef fillet and corn dumplings and was delighted. The vines for this Burgundy thrive on Falkenstein limestone soils, and the wine then matures on its lees until spring. On the palate, it impresses with a complex fruit profile, a fine mineral note, and a creamy texture. However, I would only recommend this wine as an accompaniment to food, rather than simply "for a glass of wine in the evening" without eating.

I'm not about to let go of the ironclad rule that "sugar has a stomach of its own," and so a few minutes later, a layered dessert—or rather, a panna cotta with fresh strawberries and a basil sponge—stood before me. Absolutely delicious and quite rich. To drink, a slight deviation from the original plan, I opted for a sweet wine from Styria.

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This is how the meat is displayed at the table for selection.

My conclusion

Regarding the "Weinviertel in Your Neighborhood 2017" campaign, I can now reiterate that it's ideal for discovering a) new wines, b) the Weinviertel region, and c) new restaurants. Who knows when I would have otherwise made it to this restaurant? In other words, who knows how long I would have been denied this magnificent meat, the cozy atmosphere with its lovely company (thank you!), and the seamless service in terms of waiting time, food quality, presentation, clearing of empty plates, and the focus on the comprehensive aspect of "regionality.".

I'm so glad I was there and happy that I had the opportunity to discover new Weinviertel wines once again – after last year and the two previous tastings (link above). Do the same and visit El Gaucho – ideally sometime in June. I also highly recommend letting the El Gaucho team handle your meat and (Weinviertel) wine selection. It's well worth it!

Weinviertel in your neighborhood 2017 – Here's how it works!

Everywhere in town you see an orange deck chair outside – there are 16 in total – you can enjoy Weinviertel wines by the glass in June. If you prefer to go directly to the different restaurants and don't like looking for chairs, just check the... Website from Weinviertel in your neighborhood 2017 and finds all participating restaurants there.

Many Munich wine merchants are also participating again this year, offering a wide range of great wines for your home – in case you can't get enough of a particular wine in a restaurant (Dealer listDuring the event, wines from the Weinviertel DAC region – the authentic, peppery, spicy, and delicately fruity Grüner Veltliner – as well as Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Frühroter Veltliner, and sparkling wine from local producers will be served. Wines of diverse styles and a good price-to-quality ratio will be available, offering something for every palate.

If you missed the promotion last year, you can find all the reviews, wines and restaurants from Weinviertel in your neighborhood 2016 Here. The Weinviertel, Austria's largest wine-growing region, doesn't ring a bell yet? No problem, and all the more reason to discover the wines and the Weinviertel region, to get to know them. You don't even have to go to Austria in June; you can choose between the aforementioned 16 restaurants.

Facts and data

El Gaucho Munich
Address: Frauenstraße 7-9, 80469 Munich
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Saturday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Sunday from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
It is always advisable to make a reservation!
Website

Wineries of the Weinviertel region in your neighborhood 2017 – Wines at „El Gaucho Munich“:

Frühroter Veltliner and Riesling maceration – Uibel Winery
2016 Weinviertel DAC Alte Reben and Falkenstein Weißburgunder Reserve – Dürnberg Winery
Mixed set – Pfaffl Winery

Pictures: