THE SCARIEST GRAPE VARIETY

Because so many people can’t pronounce Gewurztraminer, (it took me years to feel confident in my pronunciation), they are afraid of it.  Try saying : ga VERZ tra mee ner. There, that was easy. It is in my book one of the most exotic grape varieties on earth.  Because it is so aromatic, I can pick it out in a blind tasting very easily.  The prefix “gewurz” translates from the German as spicy but I believe what they are saying is perfumy.  When you stick your nose in a glass you get intense aromas of rose petals, lychee fruit and spice.  Now you might think from such floral and fruity smells that the wine will taste sweet.  Wrong… it is a surprisingly dry wine. 

Looks can also be deceiving because in a long slender green bottle it would appear German like the name suggests but it is really Italian in origin having its roots in the village of Tramin in the Tyrollean Alps and its greatest expression in Alsace, France.

The grape is a deep pink color that produces a full-bodied deep golden wine. Viticulturally speaking , it can be a nightmare to grow which is why you don’t see much of it outside of Alsace.  First of all it is prone to virus diseases and if it survives that because of its early budding it can easily fall prey to spring frosts.  If that is not bad enough, because it grows in small bunches some people tend to overcrop it thus diluting its concentration of flavor.  The berries with their thick and tough skins can reach high sugar levels of incredible concentration thus increasing alcohol levels in the finished efforts

Gewurz has a touch of sweetness and can sometimes  be seen as a late harvest dessert wine or a Vendange or Tardive in Alsace  

Like anchovies, Gewurz is not for everyone, but its flavors can cut thru the spiciest of Asian dishes. It is also perfect paired with Munster cheese or Smoked salmon.

In addition to Alsace there has been some nice production from both New Zealand and our friends in the great Northwest.  At the Fruit Center we carry a great one from Oregon—Montinore Vineyards that we sell for $12.99.  So overcome your fears and try a glass.

Cheers!