Out of the hundreds of wines I taste a week, sometimes it seems it's like a never-ending parade of the same thing, over and over again. Wow, another Napa Cab, one more Washington Syrah, hey, an Italian Pinot Grigio. Yawn. It's not that I don't enjoy these wines, but there is so much of them out there that for one to get my attention it really has to stand out. Thankfully every now and then, something comes across the tasting table that is unusual and exciting enough to make me forget about the unremarkable monotony that preceded it. One recent example is the 2009 Nigl Gelber Muskateller from Austria. Gelber Muskateller? Huh? Even I had to look this up. It's a type of muscat (wow, Sherlock Holmes) that is not only one of the most ancient, but one of the most ancient grapes, period. The first thing that struck me about the Nigl was the gorgeous aromatics: very floral, loads of peaches and pears reminicent of an Italian Moscato d'Asti. But that's where the similarities end as this is a dry, steely white. I love the contrast of the aromas that make you think you might be getting a sweet wine but it finishes dry; just another delightful aspect of the Nigl. It would make a killer pre-dinner or lazy afternoon bottle. And as we get into November, I can't help but think it would be nice on the Thanksgiving table. (Since I'm already seeing commercials for Christmas on TV, I feel comfortable talking about Turkey Day.) Possibly the only thing nicer than having this wine on your holiday table would to be at the winery, drinking a well-chilled bottle. You've got to check this place out! Not only is the winery building itself full of charm, but it also houses a restaurant and hotel. (Yes, I will have another glass. I'm a guest at the hotel.) What's not to love about being in a rural setting, surrounded by vineyards, and looking up at a striking castle ruin? Peruse the Nigl website and dream. The second best way to capture the magic of the wine and the region is to read the Austrian catalog put together by the man who discovers and champions these wines: Terry Theise. To call it a catalog is like calling the Sistine Chapel a room with a painted ceiling. It's required reading for any wine geek; full of passion, humor, wit, contention, and a bit of stridency. And when you've finished the Austrian catalog, move on to Theise's Champagne and Germany tomes. Theise will convert you to love the wines that are close to his heart; if he doesn't, it certainly won't be for a lack of effort nor prose! So what are some of the more unusual wines you have tasted recently?