A few whites to spark a train of thought

On a recent visit to Vinoteca near Farringdon, I had two interesting whites: 2007 Kamptal Gruner Vetliner 'Lois', Loimer, Austria and the 2007 Colli Piacentini Malvasia 'Tasto di Seta', Castello di Luzzano, Italy.

I enjoy trying Gruner Vetliner whenever it's offered at trusted establishments. They have the right balance of acidity and aromatics that goes well with any food, but they are equally enjoyable on their own. This one was reminiscent of Pinot Gris, but a "good" Pinot Gris, not the pub swill on offer by the glass.

The Malvasia was even more interesting, with more length to it and stronger floral on the nose. I partly ordered it because my drinking companion had turned up her nose to it, not wanting an Italian white, and declaring that she couldn't stand Pinot Grigio (not that this had any similarity to one). I have to admit, I do have a Pinot Grigio aversion, no matter where it's grown, but it's comments like these that make me want to get in people's heads and taste buds and try to figure out what they are are actually tasting (i.e. why they don't like a certain wine).

I had another friend recently confuse acidity and tannin at a recent tasting, which is a classic example of how, if you don't have the basic terminology sorted, you will not only confuse other people but you have less of a chance to find out what you actually like, and why. I suppose this is why I have an interest in wine education and leading tastings. I am on a personal mission to help people understand what they are drinking, so that they will have more positive experiences in the future trying and buying new wines.