If you like light, refreshing, crispy wines, you will like Gruner Veltliner from Austria. This wine is making its presence at the world market. It accounts for more than a third of all planted vines in Austria. The grape ripens late and produces wine with a pale color and a slight green tint. You will find aromas of herbs on the nose and flavors of pears and white pepper. I used to drink this wine while living in Prague, because it goes very well with dishes based on sauerkraut. Because if the crispness, it also pairs well with summer vegetables, even with the difficult to pair asparagus and artichoke. We love it with summer salads.
 
Tomato and green pepper salad over bed of lettuce
 
This is a wonderful salad when tomatoes are in season and have the full flavor. This recipe serves two people.
 
2 large or 4 smaller tomatoes (preferable heirloom), sliced
1 green pepper, sliced
Bib lettuce, cut in small pieces
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons of white vinegar
1 shallot, minced
Salt and pepper
 
Whip the olive oil with the vinegar, add shallot and season with salt and pepper. Mix 2/3 of this dressing with the lettuce. Place on the plates, top with tomatoes and green pepper. Pour the rest of the dressing over the tomatoes and the pepper. Season with fresh ground pepper.
 
You may also add goat cheese, shrimp or scallops (optional)