Have you ever lost yourself in the heady aromas of an Asian food market? In one corner, it’s about cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. In another, it’s fresh lychee, peaches and candied orange peel. You’re in a world ofexotic, rose-scented intrigue! Enter Scarlett Johansson stage right to complete the picture with her distinctive, voluptuous and sensual style. Dressed in a pink-peach dress, she walks around, taking everything in. It could have been an deleted scene from Lost in Translation!
Welcome to Gewürztraminer; aka Gewürz or Traminer. You can always tell this exotic, perfumed grape variety a mile off, no matter where it’s grown! Lychee, rose, ginger and orange peel best describe its distinctive aroma. The ripe, well-rounded body with its sumptuous, oily weight and low acidity, make it feel like a soft, peachy skinned beauty.
Gewürztraminer (Guh-verts-tra-mee-na) is the grape that sounds well ‘ard, but it’s not at all. It’s just hard to say, which is probably why it’s not nearly as popular as it should be, so give it a try!
Tasting Tour:
* Start with Alsace for classic, dry and powerful Gewürz.
* Taste these against wines from Gisbourne, New Zealand for similarly powerful styles, including some ‘off dry’ versions.
* Head to North East Italy or Central Europe for more subtle, delicate versions.
* Harder to find, but if you can, try some from Oregon too.
* Gewürztraminer can be off dry, but if it’s real sweetness you want, go for a late-harvest style! Make sure you check the label to know which one you’re getting.
Food Match:
Strong cheese is a goer, as are rich dishes like duck, goose & fois gras. Grilled and smoked food works well as do dishes with warm spices (as in aromatic spicis, not chilli!)
Dab some behind your ears and you’re set for the night!
Enjoy,
WB
