Strohmeier NV Steiermark Schilcher Frizzante

Schilcher is a common specialty in Western Styria made from a high acid red grape called Blauer Wildenbacher. What is less common are the non-interventionist methods Franz Strohmeier uses to work the 3.5 hectares of 40 year old vines. Franz constantly seeks new ways to express terroir through natural wine making, such as allowing a portion of his grapes to grow wild with no pruning. The result is intensely flavored grapes that create sparkling wines with stunning depth and surprising finesse. This is a bold dry frizzante packed with fresh red berries, bracing acidity, and fine creamy bubbles. The local tradition is to pair sparkling rose with fried chicken, but you can also pair with salted, pan-fried oysters for a maritime twist on an Austrian favorite! Ingredients: 12 large fresh (live) oysters, shucked; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 cup bread crumbs; salt and pepper, to taste; 2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; lemon wedges. Fry breaded oysters in a pan (cast-iron preferred) for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Amanda Bowman