Despite the overly German name, Gewurztraminer originates from Italy.
Gewurztraminer is both early budding and early ripening. Best suited to cooler climates that allow the grape to ripen slowly.
The variety has distinctive pink skins, which can give the wines a golden color. Growing Gewurztraminer can be very laborious and is prone to many diseases and pests. Gewurztraminer can be slightly sweet or dry depending on the region and producer.
Aromas of lychee, velvety rose petals, ginger, and pink peppercorn. On the palate with a full body and lower acidity than many other white wines.
Kaltern Gewurztraminer from Italyis of great quality, and I love the bottle design. Bright, golden yellow, intense aromas of rose blossoms, lychee, and pineapple. Full-bodied and creamy at first impression, unfolds its wide spectrum of fruit nuances on the palate, with a long, lingering, spicy white pepper finish.
Trimbach Gewurztraminer is from Alsace, France and the long slender bottle is a signature of the region. Extremely delicious and a strong nose of yellow roses and pink miniature roses. White lychee and Asian pear with hints of pink peppercorns on the wonderful palate. A memorable long finish with plenty of French complexity.
Chateau Ste Michelle in Yakima Valley Washington State is a limited version, oaked in neutral barrels which gives the wine a velvety mouth feel. The cool climate in Washington State is ideal for its creation of amazing dry white wines. Bold aromas of pink grapefruit, minerality, and fresh grated ginger. Floral tastes and a bit of vanilla, combined with flavors of apples and dried pineapples.
Fetzer from California is easy to find in the retail market at an amazing price point. Crisp and heavy scents of rose petals shaved fresh ginger, and apricots. Made in an off-dry style with a subtle sweetness, brisk acidity, and vibrant varietal character. Tastes of peeled apricot, peach cobbler, unsalted cashews, and frozen pastry dough.
Gewurztraminer pairings; spicy foods, hot sausage, Indian food, fried zucchini fritters. Crabcakes, and honey barbecue chicken. Baked camembert and phyllo wrapped brie are also marvelous parings.
Hey, Wanda, just wondering how many bottles of wine do you own?
Well, I’ve been in the wine industry for 10+ years, and wine comes and goes.
I keep track of my inventory on a spread sheet on my laptop by category. Since I rarely drink wine at home, my big wine collection is protected. I’m often at wine events, parties, galas, restaurants, and hotels. Let’s just say I have enough bottles to last a few years without running out. I appreciate my readers and I am honored to bring quality articles weekly.
I see Gewurztraminer in the wine department at Kroger. Understanding what it tastes like has enlightened me. I’ll try a bottle with more confidence. TY
I like this column and appreciate the knowledge. I wonder if Ms. Wanda has a few favorite wines?