Five Questions With: Katja Scharnagl

"I call it an island in the mountains"

Five Questions With is an on-going series where we discover unique wine and cultural recommendations from incredible people. This week we’re sitting down with Katja Scharnagl, the former Beverage Director of Koloman restaurant and present Portfolio Ambassador to Germany, Austria & Slovenia for Skurnik Wines & Spirits.

Katja is an Austrian native whose hospitality career led her to the Alps early on, as the Maitre d' and Head Sommelier at the luxury Burg Vital Hotel in Oberlech. She also previously served as Chef Sommelier at Le Bernadin restaurant under the mentorship of Aldo Sohm. Stay in touch with Katja via her Instagram.

1. Do you have a bottle recommendation for a wine from the Alps?

   Pinot Blanc, Cantina Terlan [in Alto Adige] - it is a cooperative and fairly big, but one of the best ones. You should try their older Pinot Blanc vintages - absolutely stunning!

2. What is your favorite Alpine food and wine pairing?

   Käsespätzle and Grüner Veltliner — umami, savory cheese dumplings with deep-fried onions and chives paired with a Grüner Veltliner that has a good grip to it, spice and is bone dry — no botyrtis at all. For example, Alte Reben Bründlmayer or a single vineyard from the winery Grabenwerkstatt located in Spitz.

   

3. If you could visit any town or region in the Alps, what is it and why?

   Lech am Arlberg! The mecca of exquisite wine lists, breathtaking mountains, clean air, fantastic food — from mountain sheds to Michelin starred restaurants you can find it all here. I call it an island in the mountains. I almost loved the summer more — going hiking and visiting one of the cheesemakers in the mountains and trying homemade cheese and drinking fresh cow's milk.

   

   Lech am Arlberg

4. On mountain or après?

   Skiing on the mountain in the winter, hiking on the mountain in the summer. Getting lost in one's thoughts while admiring the landscape and maybe seeing an animal along the way is what brings me joy.

5. What is a piece of art (painting, book, music, movie etc) that best expresses the Alps for you?

   The Sound of Music — I guess — but full disclosure I never actually watched it. But when I started in NYC that was what my colleagues would sing to me. Jokes aside, there are some really impressive books about the Alps and as a passionate hobby cook I have at home Alpine Cooking by Meredith Erickson, and the cookbook of Andreas Döllerer - Das Wirtshaus — one of my all time favorite restaurants in Golling an der Salzach, [outside of the city of Salzburg].