INSIDER'S PICK: 2016 STEININGER GRUNER VELTLINER KAMPTAL RESERVE 'RIED LOISIUM' $21.99

One of the jewels of Austrian wine is the Loisium facility in the Kamptal region. Completed in 2003, the impressive modern architecture that houses the 'WeinErlebnisWelt' or Wine Experience, has drawn millions of tourists and wine fans to learn about the many elements of the winemaking process, as well as the artistic inspiration of both vine and wine. The venue also serves as a centralized tasting facility for many examples of Kamptal wines as well as others from surrounding Styrian wineries. Steininger has been an integral part of this facility since its origins, and has the distinct honor of crafting wine from the vineyards that surround the Loisium facilities. While it was never intended to be the ne plus ultra version of Kamptal wines (those tend to come from the steeper terraced vineyards closer to the river Kamp) the wines from the property have always been consistently well crafted and offered textbook quality and character. Also, since our good friend and importer Klaus Wittauer has been involved with the winery for nearly two decades, it is and will always be an excellent value for us in Virginia.

Light gold color in the glass, similar to many Loire Sauvignon Blancs, and some of the grassy or stone fruit aromas hint at Sauvignon Blanc as well. As it opens up the deeper, richer citrus stony/soil notes come forward more, a cool temperature fruity character that never gets 'perfume-y' and tries to take over the five feet around the glass, but refreshingly clean and clear every time you put your nose to the glass. The palate is juicy and leesy, providing some staying power and takes the astringent edge off behind the fruit skin and stone fruit flavors that linger on the finish with hints of fennel and subtle herbs. This is a delicious match with baked white meat fish like flounder as it will pick up a lot of the seasoning without overpowering it, and doesn't need a buttery sauce to go with it.

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