Varietals - Gruner Veltliner, Scheurebe, Muscadet

The typical choices in white wine include Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.  Though each of these options are wonderful in their own right, there are a lot of less well known options when it comes to choosing the perfect white wine for any meal or occasion.

Gruner Veltliner originated in Austria and has become popular among American wine lovers.  Flavors span the range of green from bright lime zest through sweet honeydew to earthy pea and lentil.  With its bright acidity and strong mineral notes, Gruner Veltliner has the delicacy to complement fish dishes as well as the personality to stand up to spicy or heavy dishes not usually suitable for light whites.  Prices range widely, from $7 to $40 or more, with less expensive options offering lighter flavors and no potential for aging.

A more delicate choice than the bold Austrian flavor of Gruner Veltliner is the German Scheurebe.  This unique white is a cross between delicate Riesling and heartier Sylvaner. The result is far richer and wilder than either varietal taken individually, an exotic mix of sweet-tart pink grapefruit, smooth honey, sharp herb, and exotic tropical fruit notes. It excels in the Pfalz region of Germany, where it makes dry white wines as well as rich sweet wines marked TBA or Eiswein. Wines made from Scheurebe are labeled as such; most dry versions run $10 to $20.

If you're looking for an affordable white wine for summertime sipping or with a platter of cold seafood, look to Muscadet, the name of the French region in which the Melon grape thrives. This fantastic French white offers an affordable, easily drinkable option if the more aggressive flavors of the German and Austrian wines are unsuitable or difficult to find.  Muscadet wines can range in price from $10 to $50. 

Any of these less common white wines offer drinkers a fantastic option beyond the common choices.  These exceptional wines are a wonderful way to bring interest to any meal, and make excellent gifts for hostesses and wine lovers.
 

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