Wine List:
Gattinara To Gruener Veltliner
Gattinara, A Fine Italian Red Wine
I'm quite partial to Gattina, especially Gattinara Riserva.
Gattinara is a red wine from the northern Italian region of Piedmont made mostly from the Nebbiolo grape, considered by many to be Italy's top red grape variety. Gattinara was awarded the DOC designation in 1967 and the DOCG designation in 1990. It is aged for a minimum of three years with at least one year in wood. Gattinara Riserva is aged for a minimum of four years with at least two years in wood. Suggested food pairings include Steak. See I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Aosta Valley Region - Piedmont Wine for a review of a Gattinara.
See I Love Italian Wine and Food - Riserva Wines for a review of a Gattinara Riserva.
German Riesling Auslese
A Riesling Auslese is a late harvest Riesling wine, made from individually selected grape bunches. This method of harvesting leads to intensely flavored, sweet, and somewhat expensive wines. Suggested food pairings include Venison.
Graves (White)
Graves is located south of the famous city of Bordeaux in southwestern France. This area produces both red and white wines. White Graves are blends of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc and may be dry or sweet. The flavors, capacity for aging, and quality vary enormously. This combination leads to a food-friendly wine. Suggested food pairings include Cheese, Lobster, and Sole.
Gruener Veltliner
Gruener Veltliner is Austria's signature white grape variety, rarely grown elsewhere. Traditionally it was not associated with high quality wine, but in recent years this variety has produced some excellent wines. Flavors include pepper, citrus fruits, and other fruits. Perhaps because it is acidic, Gruener Veltliner wines are quite food friendly. Suggested food pairings include Wiener Schnitzel, Artichokes, and Asparagus (these two vegetables are considered quite difficult to pair with wine.)