Vinified in stainless steel and then matured in large ovals, the Gross 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Kittenberg is high-toned in minty, herbal, borderline Muskateller-like aromas. Cool in personality, bright and pleasantly green in its herbal and greenhouse-like character, this is nevertheless quite substantial in alcoholic body. Will it develop a split personality or more positive complexity with bottle age?I did not visit Steiermark this year, but nonetheless had an opportunity to taste a portion of Alois Gross’s 2007s with him.Importer:Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700

Vinified in stainless steel and then matured in large ovals, the 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Kittenberg broadcasts peach, grapefruit, banana, mint, sage, black currant, and passion fruit. The wine’s sweetly-ripe aromatics set the stage for a lush, glossy palate that nonetheless retains refreshing acidity. Alois Gross harvested his entire crop in less than three weeks during October.Importer: Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700