Wine Pick of the Week

This weekend, discover the delights of grüner veltliner, Austria’s characterful indigenous grape. Pronounced “grooner felt-leener,” it may sound more like a dog breed or an airline, but it begets many interesting and food-worthy wines—like the following, which was the winner in our 11th annual Wine Awards’ Light White category. Try it with schnitzel, fried chicken wings, or deluxe baked mac and cheese, or simply enjoy it well chilled while you’re cooking dinner.Laurenz V Singing Grüner Veltliner 2013$19.99 Austria +458034Our judges appreciate that lightness is a virtue. This repeat winner has classic flavours of white pepper and savoury stone fruit, and a mineral-drenched finish. The top-quality family estate of Laurenz V devotes itself to grüner only, and this wine is especially designed to sing when paired with food. Put it to work at apéritif hour: it’s crisp enough for fried oysters, and has the requisite weight to accompany good charcuterie. Or pair it as Austrian’s would, alongside wiener schnitzel.