Feelin' fine with Lagrein

Last night was the Eccolo/Paul Marcus Wines Alto Adige dinner, and four of us from PMW joined three of our favorite importer/distributors for an excellent meal by chef Christopher Lee. The canederli in brodo were especially delicious with Ansitz Waldgries St. Magdalener Classico 2004 ($13.99). Chris had tipped us off to the oxtails and sausages braised with peppers and garlic over polenta, so everyone at the table ordered it. The perfect match - and star wine of the evening - was Ignaz Niedrist's Lagrein Gries 'Berger Gei' 2002 ($33).

I continue to be fascinated by the wine (and cuisine) of the Alto Adige. In a country of unique and worthy gastronomical regions, this one is perhaps the most unique - and certainly worthy.