Table of Contents
Wine 101 The Fascinating Gewürztraminer
Unlock the mysteries of Gewürztraminer, a white grape renowned for its distinctive appearance and captivating sensory profile. Explore its origins in Alsace, savor its aromatic richness, and delve into the varying sweetness levels that make this grape a versatile companion for a wide range of culinary experiences.
Gewürztraminer in 60 Seconds
- Hailing from Alsace, situated on the border of Germany and France, Gewürztraminer is one of Alsace’s prestigious four noble varieties.
- Alsacian Gewürztraminer, accounting for a quarter of global production, spans sweetness levels from dry to off-dry.
- The grape’s genetic link to Savagnin in Germany allows it to flourish in cool climates, with global presence in Australia, the United States, and more.
The Origins of Gewürztraminer
- In German, Gewürztraminer translates to “spice traminer,” referencing its aromatic qualities.
- Genetically linked to Savagnin, the grape originated in Germany and thrives in cool-climate regions across Europe.
What Gewürztraminer Tastes Like
- Typically off-dry or semi-dry, Gewürztraminer’s heightened aromatics and low acidity can make even dry expressions taste sweeter.
- Medium to full-bodied with medium alcohol, its flavors include lychee, sweet baking spices, and floral rose notes.
Gewürztraminer’s Nobility
- As one of Alsace’s four “noble” grape varieties, Gewürztraminer is integral to grand cru, Vendanges Tardives (late-harvest), and Sélection de Graines Nobles (botrytis-affected) wines.
Foods To Pair With Gewürztraminer
- Its range of sweetness levels makes Gewürztraminer a versatile companion for various foods.
- Dry styles complement spicy dishes, such as Moroccan tagine, while dessert-style pairs well with confections featuring cinnamon, honey, dried nuts, or fruits.
10 Facts about Gewürztraminer
- Gewürztraminer is recognized by its pink skin, setting it apart from other white grapes.
- Its medium to deep golden color in the glass stems from the pink pigment in its skin.
- Lychee and rose aromas are distinct markers for identifying Gewürztraminer.
- The grape hails from Alsace, one of France’s border regions with Germany.
- Alsacian Gewürztraminer is one of the region’s four noble varieties, known for its versatility.
- Gewürztraminer’s genetic link to Savagnin contributes to its success in cool-climate regions.
- The term “Gewürz” translates to “spice,” highlighting the grape’s aromatic qualities.
- Gewürztraminer exhibits flavors ranging from dry to off-dry, with a medium to full body.
- Alsace’s grand cru, Vendanges Tardives, and Sélection de Graines Nobles wines feature Gewürztraminer.
- Gewürztraminer’s global presence includes Australia, the United States, and Germany.
Since you made it here…Interesting Wines to try
2019 Bouchaine Hyde Vineyard Merlot Carneros – Napa Valley
- The legendary Hyde Vineyard unveils a brilliantly structured Merlot
- Ripe tannins dominate, yet irresistibly approachable in its early evolution
- Sarsaparilla, cola spice, and cigar humidor dance with black licorice
- Layers of plum sauce, blackberries, cassis, and black raspberries unfold
- Scrubby herbs emerge with perky acidity, keeping the experience lively
- Immerse yourself in the world of wine with Hyde Vineyard’s masterpiece
- Elevate your tasting experience with this captivating Merlot
2019 Chappellet Merlot Napa Valley
- Inky richness, bursting with toasty cacao, espresso, and grilled vanilla
- Silky mouthfeel framed by sweet, integrating tannins
- Spiced plums, cassis, and bright acidity lingering through a blueberry-kissed finish
2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot Los Carneros – Napa Valley
- Pure evocation of strawberries with evolving tea-like tannins
- Flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and smashed blueberry
- Notably savory with hints of carob, mineral, black licorice, and plum sauce layers
2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley
- A beautiful expression with sweet tannins and well-integrated oak spicing
- Hoisin sauce, cassis, violets, and candied orange peels
- Sandalwood, floral peppercorns, espresso beans, warm vanilla, and loam
2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, Washington
- Estate-grown brilliance structured for mid-term aging
- Ripe red berry fruit and cherries finding counterpoints in dusty tannins and carob
- Minerality pulsing through each sip, delivering a brilliant wine experience
2019 La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Estate MerlotNapa Valley
- A classic effort from winemaker Chris Carpenter with astounding mountain-grown grapes
- Age-worthy tannins allowing notes of licorice, granite, cacao nibs, and well-steeped tea to shine
- Cardamom and violets lingering through the long, elegant finish
2020 Macari Vineyards Merlot North Fork of Long Island
- A spicy and fascinating expression, dominated by crushed peppercorns
- Remarkably translucent, revealing red cherries, raspberries, and toasted fennel seeds with oak spice
2018 Meeker Winemakers’ Handprint Collection Merlot Sonoma County
- Lifted and well-delineated, expressive of black raspberries, ripe cherries, and goji berries
- Loamy earthiness, sarsaparilla-dusted tannins, and a bay-leaf note creating an intriguing wine experience
- Elegant yet powerful, structured for cellaring or enjoying now with grilled meat
2019 Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley
- Toasty, rich, and brooding, a wine rewarding patience
- Notes of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, purple plums, and cardamom promising complexity
- Impressive balance and structure with graphite-like tannins and singed laurel nuances
2019 Northstar Premier Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington
- Velvety texture, ripe with a counterbalancing punch of acidity
- Crushed blackberries and mulberries, vanilla, clove, and toasty oak through the finish
- A stellar example of what the wine variety does best in the Columbia Valley
2019 PlumpJack Estate Winery Merlot Napa Valley
- A toasty, modern, crowd-pleasing beauty with rich, chocolatey notes
- Plums, blackberries, and cassis lifted by candied violets
- Aging potential of five to seven years, but delightful fruitiness makes it enjoyable now
2019 Ridge Vineyards Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains
- Shining with the character of the venerable Monte Bello Vineyard
- Cedar, incense, brambly berries, elegant balance, and beautifully calibrated acidity
- Promising another ten to fifteen years of life ahead
2019 Rutherford Hill Winery Merlot Napa Valley
- Silky and herbaceous, less fruit-forward than typical Napa Merlot
- Layers of black and red raspberries, cherries, and chocolate with lively mineral finish
- A solid value delivering a unique wine experience for less than $30
- Estate-grown Merlot marked by toasty oak, cafe mocha notes, and woodsy spices
- Silky tannins, density, and underlying pulse of minerality providing real energy
- A captivating wine experience with impressive aging potential
2020 Seven Hills Winery Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, Washington
- Fruit-forward Merlot from a vineyard planted in the early-1980s
- Underlying bergamot note with nuances of sage, oregano, and cracked peppercorns
- Sweet tannins lingering through flavors of red and purple plums and huckleberries
2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Vineyards MerlotNapa Valley
- Rich, chocolatey aromas of hoisin sauce and spiced blackberry liqueur
- Balanced acidity with minerality, hint of dried herbs, and fantastic kirsch finish
2019 Vérité La Muse
- One of the most intriguing and appealing new-release Merlots
- A balance of perfume and depth with red currants, raspberries, cherries, plums, graphite, and hints of tobacco and sandalwood
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