I received an invitation from the Austrian Trade Commission to join them at Flow Restaurant in Toronto. Tasted dozens of wines. One of our writers and I found especially the whites to be very sophisticated and full of finesse. These are world-class wines.

We especially enjoyed the wines of Weingut Walter Skoff of Eckberg (South Styria) and Weingut Stadlmann of Traisenkirchen.

Skoff Sauvignon Blanc Classique 2006: Austria's South Styria appellation produces among the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world.  In a recent World Cup of Sauvignon Blanc, conducted by Michael Vaughan, Ph.D., the Austrians dominated the Gold Medal category. This wine is excellent. Intensive nose. Elegant and charming to the taste.  A truly rewarding experience! In talking to Walter Skoff and son Joachim, it is immediately apparent that this family has a deep love for wine and the life long goal of producing among the world's best. Their motto: Wine is Life, Our Life is Wine" says it all. Skoff employs traditional and ultra-modern winemaking technologies.  Their southerly slanting slopes, careful grape selection and rapid cooling when processing harvested grapes contribute to making these wines distinctly at the top of their game.  I was very impressed with this winery's wines.

Also enjoyed...

Stadlmann Riesling 2006: An immensely satisfying Riesling that shows itself like wine royalty. Subtle apricot aromas and flavors. Fresh, fruity, very balanced and sophisticated. A benchmark for all Riesling producers. The winery also has excellent Gruener Veltliner, Zierfandler (made famous by the export favorite "Gumpoldskirchner"), Zierfandler Beerenauslese and Zweigelt.