Wine

One of the most exciting trends in the wine world is California's embrace of less familiar varietals. Case in point: the 2012 Dancing Coyote Clarksburg Gruner Veltliner ($15). This white is flat-out delicious but also alluring, with expressive peach and apple flavors and a compelling, earthy but elegant finish. With equal parts firmness and finesse, it's an ideal match for grilled pork tenderloin, most seafood or mildly spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes. Available at Lakeside, Sentyrz, the Wine Shop (Minnetonka) and Lowry Hill.

BILL WARD