Thursday, November 28
In the morning we made an early exit from the Steigenberger Hotel. Mike had to spend some effort keeping the team on schedule, but he was up to the task. Three plus hour drive east, back past Vienna, and beyond into Styria for our 11:00 am appointment at the Gross winery. This was the most elaborate and modern facility we visited.
The Gross's were kind enough to book us a room at the Jaglhof, their friends hotel/restaurant located nearby. We drove up winding roads literally into the clouds to reach this place. Once again, we were assured that the views were remarkable. That night the Gross's joined us for dinner which was easily on par with all the other great meals. The '99 Gross Sauvignon Blanc we started with really impressed me, especially compared to the 2001's we had been tasting that afternoon. A few years really makes a difference. Most of the wine makers seemed a bit sad that their own country men were incapable of waiting. Lots of fish at this meal. Highlights included a lobster salmon "sandwich" (lobster chunks sandwiched between two pieces of salmon,) and a grapefruit lobster risotto. The chef gave me the recipie for the later: "First, make a great risotto...." Yeah, OK buddy, thanks for your secrets.
The rooms were very nice, and the fog so severe that it was quite romantic. Nothing beats a big meal followed by a 10 foot walk to your bed. That is living. In the morning, once again, we were up and off early to make the next appointment.
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In the morning we made an early exit from the Steigenberger Hotel. Mike had to spend some effort keeping the team on schedule, but he was up to the task. Three plus hour drive east, back past Vienna, and beyond into Styria for our 11:00 am appointment at the Gross winery. This was the most elaborate and modern facility we visited.
The Gross's were kind enough to book us a room at the Jaglhof, their friends hotel/restaurant located nearby. We drove up winding roads literally into the clouds to reach this place. Once again, we were assured that the views were remarkable. That night the Gross's joined us for dinner which was easily on par with all the other great meals. The '99 Gross Sauvignon Blanc we started with really impressed me, especially compared to the 2001's we had been tasting that afternoon. A few years really makes a difference. Most of the wine makers seemed a bit sad that their own country men were incapable of waiting. Lots of fish at this meal. Highlights included a lobster salmon "sandwich" (lobster chunks sandwiched between two pieces of salmon,) and a grapefruit lobster risotto. The chef gave me the recipie for the later: "First, make a great risotto...." Yeah, OK buddy, thanks for your secrets.
The rooms were very nice, and the fog so severe that it was quite romantic. Nothing beats a big meal followed by a 10 foot walk to your bed. That is living. In the morning, once again, we were up and off early to make the next appointment.
- jim 12-03-2002 6:33 pm