Varietals - Gewurztraminer
The name Gewurztraminer is a combination of Gewurz, meaning spice, and the Traminer family of grapes. This grape, related to vines grown in a German speaking section of Northern Italy, offers a bold, fruity taste that is difficult to ignore. Gewurztraminer wines range in color from pale yellow to deep golden and feature flavors including lychee, grapefruit, rose, and spices. The lychee flavor is most prominent, and is complimented by hints of rose, cinnamon, turmeric, and peppers.
Gewurztraminer wines are often low in acidity, though selections from the Alsace region can feature higher acidity levels perfect for aging. Along the cool, sunny ridge parallel to the Vosges Mountains, the Alsace region offers Gewurztraminer grapes the chance to produce sweet and spicy flavors unique to the region.
Though elsewhere in the world Gewurztraminer can make light, aperitif-weight wines, Alsace's versions are almost always heady and rich, with sweet flavors even when they are extremely dry. That richness, along with an almost bitter edge of spice, makes them seem particularly suited to both rich and spicy cuisines.
Germany also grows Gewurztraminer grapes, although it's harder to find, and it tends to be thicker and less graceful. Options from California and Washington include lighter and fresher examples, good for those who find the Alsace wines too heady and heavy. US versions also tend to be less expensive, often priced far below the general range of $50 or more for Alsace wines.
Light options include
Fetzer Echo Ridge,
Sutter Home, or Hogue, while Navarro, Handley, or Thomas Fogarty offer richer American versions of the wine. Rich Alsace Gewurztraminers are best showcased by a Grand Cru from
Bott-Geyl or a single vineyard wine from Josmeyer or Kreydenweiss.
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