Steindorfer Pinot Gris Fuchsloch 23

Steindorfer Pinot Gris is another Austrian gem that comes to us from long-time AWM friend Klaus Wittauer. Klaus is a rigorous ambassador of Austrian wine and culture, and I must admit, his love of Grüner Veltliner is nothing short of infectious.

I had the good fortune to travel a few times with Klaus to visit his stable of vignerons in Austria, and Weingut Steindorfer was always a notable stop. Each of these visits left me with the notion that Ernst Steindorfer was indeed the mad scientist of Austrian wine, coaxing impressive nuance and character from Burgenland Pinot Gris.

Pro Tip: The Steindorfer family makes amazing dessert wines and also a selection of sublime dry reds. We'll be stocking all of those shortly.

Eastern Austria is home to the Burgenland wine region, and here, the rich variety of soils and favorable climate provide the perfect recipe for growing Pinot Gris. The icing on the cake is the fantastic weather that helps the fruit ripen to slow perfection.

The most essential and defining piece of the Burgenland terroir puzzle is the Neusiedler See, Europe's largest steppe lake. This expansive, super-shallow body of water has a massive influence on the local microclimate. It acts as a thermal reservoir, moderating temperatures year-round, providing the misty mornings essential for the region's viticulture.

The Steindorfer family has been a foundational member of the Burgenland winemaking ecosystem for generations. Their journey began with a tiny vineyard plot fueled by their huge passion for viticulture. Over the years, they have expanded their holdings, and today, they're considered benchmark producers in the region. They deftly combine generationally-honed farming methods with cutting-edge modern winemaking techniques to successfully and seamlessly blend traditional and innovative.

In your glass, Weingut Steindorfer Pinot Gris is generously and overtly expressive on the nose, with aromas of tropical fruit leaping from the glass. Ripe pear and apple blend with tropical fruit notes and finish with refreshing lift and brightness all through the squeaky-clean finish.

As you'd expect, this Pinot Gris is a marvelous companion to a wealth of cuisine. We especially love it with grilled white-fleshed fish, roasted poultry, and it's a great foil to spicy Asian cuisine. Favorite vegetarian fare would include creamy risotto and herb-roasted veggies with sautéed mushrooms. This rich and sleek Austrian white is a terrific fall porch-sipper, and I guarantee it will be the hit of your next dinner party.