Wine Lingo
Gewürztraminer
(geh-VERTZ-tra-MEE-ner)
DISCOVER - June 18, 2009
The response to "Meritage" led us to explore another common but often misunderstood wine word: Gewürztraminer.
A cute cartoon in the tasting room at one of Sonoma's oldest wineries depicts a patrolman administering a special sobriety test: If you can pronounce "Gundlach Bundschu Gewürztraminer," you're sober. (GUN-lock BUN-shoe, geh-VERTZ-tra-MEE-ner).
The traditional home of Gewürztraminer is Alsace, the region of northern France known for its bone dry, white wines, including Riesling and Pinot Blanc. Over the centuries this narrow strip of land, tucked between the Vosges mountains to the east and the Rhine river to the west, has been ruled by France and Germany. The variety's long name is easy to spot on the tall, German, slope-shouldered bottles favored in Alsace and carried over by New World producers from places such as Oregon, California and interestingly, Michigan.
"Gewürz" is German for "spice." Though characteristically dry, its spicy aromas of pear, rose, and other exotic fruits are deeply fragrant; too much so for some. It will pair well with turkey, smoked salmon, blackened fish or chicken marsala.
Exploring Gewürztraminer is an enjoyable task, unlike mastering its pronunciation. It's worth a summer sip.
Tasting Tip: One way to explore Gewürztraminer is to try the variety from different growing regions.
2006, Alpen Cellars, Trinity Lakes, CA ($12.99)
Floral and spicy, from a small region more than 4 hours north of Napa, this wine was a pleasant discovery for the price.
2007, Chateau Grand Traverse, Traverse City, MI ($12.99 / 500 ml. Bottle)
Reserve bottling, full-bodied and dry; why not give a wine from Michigan a test drive?
2006, Montinore Estate, Willamette Valley, OR ($14.99)
Highly floral, inviting aromatics, this dry, sleek wine slides through the palette.
2005, Cave de Ribeauvillé, Alsace, FR ($15.99)
Different taste profile than the American ones, this Alsatian is concentrated and flavorful, yet balanced.
Our Wine Lingo series discusses common but often unclear wine language.
Wine mark-ups and prices vary, and, as such, Wine Country Minute 00:60 cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listed prices. Please check around to find the best price and availability.
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