Weingut Högl, Grüner Veltliner Wachau, Austria 2020 (750mL)

Standing alongside German Riesling on the “crisp and aromatic” mountaintop is Austrian Grüner Veltliner—and more specifically, crisp, mineral, mouth-watering Grüner Veltliner from the acclaimed Wachau DAC along the Danube River. With moderate alcohol and moderate-plus acidity, this is an appetizer’s best friend, taking comfort in cold salads, vegetable terrines, lightly fried fish, and platters of charcuterie and cheese. On the nose, there is lively green-yellow apple and pear fruit with an undercut of white peach and greenish white flowers. The earth plays around with wet rock, potting soil, and pretty purple chive blossoms. On the palate, the wine takes flight, full of delicious Grüner pep and bounce…it’s alive!