E. & M. Berger Kamptal; Kremstal Grüner Veltliner

Picture me in my trusty lederhosen, sucking on a Riccola cough drop preparing to belt out a hearty rendition of “The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music”. Or, how about me in a brightly colored unitard about to tackle the demanding slopes of Innsbruck? Conducting the Viennese orchestra?

In addition to these being potentially harmful graphic images, they are all shamefully obvious references to Austria where our current selection has taken us. The 2009 Berger Gruner Veltliner is a wonderful example of what has become Austria’s most widely planted varietal. These wines are very approachable in more ways than one. They are well priced, easy drinking and food friendly. They can also be relative complex, displaying notes of both citrus and spice with a hint of minerality.

So, in lieu of the Austrian visuals referenced above, picture me, instead, affectionately grasping this slightly chilled 1 liter green bottle, popping off the old school bottle cap with a wide, anticipatory grin. You too can get out of the Sauvignon Blanc rut by picking up a bottle ($15.99 at Dreadnought Wines). Give it a try and let me know what you think.