Can Vendrell Cava Brut

Served With: Sushi

Five Things: straw color, crisp, citrus, slightly bready, uneven finish

COO: Penedès, Spain

Notes: Sushi and Cava are generally a great match, and this traditional blend of organic grapes (30% Xarel-lo, 30% Macabeu, 35% Parellada) started fine, but the finish wasn't particularly smooth (burp!).

Website: Albet i Noya

Rating: Good

Tags: spain, cava, brut

Chateau Greysac Medoc 2005

Served With: Tapanade

Five Things:plum, earth, cedar, tobacco, leather

COO: Bordeaux, France

Notes: The deep rich tapanade (kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, peppers, etc.) served on Rosemary bread came alive paired with this inexpensive Bordeaux. The wine and the food elevated each other.

Website: Chateau Greysac

Rating: Very Good

Tags: chateau greysac, bordeaux, medoc, 2005

Huber Guner Veltliner 2008

Served With...: Mac and Cheese with Lacinato Kale

Five Things: citrine color, mineral, crisp, apricot, floral

COO: Austria

Notes: As Gruner Veltliner's go, this was a pretty good showing all around, with an acidity that was up to the task in regards to the Mac and Cheese (and greens).

Website: http://weingut-huber.at

Rating: Very Good

Tags: gruner veltliner, 2008, austria