I paired this Austrian wine with lobster this past weekend and loved how the clean, mineral flavor cut right through the rich crustacean.

The nose on this Riesling is lemony and with floral and nectarine notes.  In the mouth, it’s fresh and crisp with a zippy, dry and mineral finish.

I loved the 2009 Weingut Brundlmayer Kamptaler Terrassen Riesling with lobster, but it would be great with most seafood, grilled fish and spicy Asian dishes.

Around $25.

Based on the label and my knowledge of Zweigelt, I was expecting cherry upon sipping this wine, but I also found bright, fresh red berries with spicy undertones along with the ripe cherries.  This inky wine is medium-bodied and at that affordable price point, could easily become one of my mid-week or BBQ, go-to wines.  Bonus – screwcap.

Wine Enthusiast: 87 points.

About $15.

This wine was provided to me for sampling and I’m adding to my repertoire.

Loimer Riesling

I first had the pleasure of sampling this outstanding wine at an Austrian wine event I attended in New York.  Although I’d tasted over 30 wines that day, this Riesling, from the Kamptal region of Austria, stood out from the pack and I was thrilled to find it readily available at several stores in my area.

The nose of the 2007 Loimer Riesling is of ripe apple and juicy peach. Peach turns to pear and ripe apple to baked apple on the palate.  This wine is concentrated, luscious and rich with spicy undertones.  The finish is long with mineral notes and nice acidity.

Around $29.

Really enjoyed this bubbly from Burgenland, Austria at a recent tasting. The wine is cremant-like with tons of tiny bubbles and a floral nose with great acidity. Golden in color, this wine is a great option when looking for an affordable sparkling wine.

Around $27.

UPDATE: Use Special Code: AUSTRIANNYC for an increased discount of $10 off the cost of the event!

I’d like to let you know about an upcoming Austrian wine tasting on May 5th in New York City.  This is going to be the biggest Austrian wine event to ever hit the states and will feature over 100 Austrian winemakers.  The event also features food from top New York restaurants.

Readers of Food & Wine Chickie Insider get $5 off admission via the Austrian Trade Commission by using Special Code: BLOGAUSTRIA when reserving tickets at: http://bit.ly/cug2iV.

Join me for some interesting wines, great food and fun crowd!

2008 Hirsch Gruner Veltliner

Sampled this wine as part of a tasting menu at Bouley last weekend.  For those of you who enjoy fresh and crisp Gruner Veltliner, this is a good rendition.  This Weingut Hirsch wine has a citrus, apple, herbal aroma that had me sniffing for several minutes before taking a first sip.  This wine offers a mouthful of juicy fruit that’s incredibly food-friendly.  The finish was smooth with just a trace of pepper.

Around $23.