Winter Whites

Martin and Anna Arndorfer are one of Austria's most exciting pairs of growers, and the Grüner handcraft is a testament to their skill. Opening with notes of more golden apple and quince than grüner's typical green edge, the palate is rounded and mineral-driven, with complementary notes of honey, fresh-struck match, and lemon meringue.

Arndorfer's Grüner Handcraft is fabulous to drink on its own, though it will pair well with seafood of all stripes, like cured salmon with crème fraiche, tuna tartare, or even something as rich as brandade.

A fifty fifty blend of the pink-skinned Pinot Gris, and the golden, zippy, Pinot Blanc, the Feldstärke opens with tantalizing notes of white peach, rose petal, and lemon zest on the nose, moving to a palate that's characterized most by superb balance. With body and richness to the fruit here, along with great acidity, it's a wine that's stimulating on its own, but will just shine beside food.

A slightly heavier wine like this is great beside creamier, more substantial fare. It will be perfect beside a Lobster Bisque, or salmon croquettes, or beside a classic Chicken Schitzel. It will also go quite well with heartier veggies like roasted celeriac or cauliflower.

It's hard to get better than White Burgundy, and while this wine is made with the "second," white grape of the region, Aligoté, it expresses all of the depth, character, and nuance of Burgundy. Opening with quieter notes of ripe lemon, a touch of soft herbs, and freshly-struck match, it moves to a rich, slick palate with the same ripe citrus, a touch of orchard fruit, and a long, mineral finish.

The brightness of this wine makes it a great aperitif to open the palate, although it has enough richness to stand up to roast chicken, a filet of white fish with beurre blanc, or a simple gratin.