Wine guide to Gewurztraminer: everything you need to know about a fantastic white wine

Posted by Gewürztraminer History on July 20th, 2022

Gewurztraminer is exquisite, if we were to sum it up in one word. It is brilliant, full of unusual flavors, flamboyant in the mouth, persistent, active, and has an explosive pyrotechnical fragrance. But there is a problem with aromatic grapes that lies beneath this feast. As soon as you hold the glass to your nose and look into it, you will identify our companion. And if you enjoy wines that are enigmatic and gradually reveal themselves, you should probably try something else.

Even while Gewurztraminer's spiciness is based on pepper, gingerbread, and cloves, it is nevertheless unmistakably recognizable, tactile, and alcoholic. This makes it unusual, intriguing, and necessitates a never superficial investigation. Even while you could probably instinctively recognize Gewurz after tasting ten of them, this does not mean that it will stop astound you with its complexity.

Gewurztraminer is sometimes cited as being difficult to match with food because it isn't the typical adaptable white wine; rather, it should have more acidity and fewer overpowering smells. It is not as smooth as Pinot Grigio, lovely as Riesling, or fashionable and oak-friendly as Chardonnay. That is utterly absurd! Other white wines can only aspire to be as food-friendly as Gewurztraminer. Consider recipes with eggs, foie gras, and truffles. Read about the History of Gewürztraminer.



Gewurztraminer was born where?

The oldest reports of Traminer Aromatico date back to 1145, but let's move on and start from Termeno, Tramin, from where it gets its name. Clay and silt have given this sandy terrain the strength it needs to flourish. There is no doubt about the terroir's excellence because of the great cru of the Sella's plateau, which is 450 meters high and spectacular to Mazzon.

If we cast a wider net, we will see that the area between Tramin and Appiano is completely covered in Gewurztraminer vineyards, and with excellent results. As you travel farther north, the wines produced in the Isarco, Venosta, and Adige valleys are considerably different but no less appealing. The wine is made lighter by the colder, stonier soils, which also give it a delightful salinity and sharpness. Trentino is once more the region of abundance; the best bottles, with a fine and dry style, are produced between Lavis and Cembra.

Imagine that we wished to map the different Gewurztraminer grape varieties. In such situation, the warmest, most generous wines, with a predominance of ripe fruit notes, could be referred to as the Termeno's belt. Instead, the wines in both the north and south valleys are tempered by the rocks: consistency becomes nuanced, acidity becomes sharp. The spices disappear to make way for a flowery cascade.

Rhine wines should be mentioned since they are not Italian. The strong, dry, and piercing spices, together with tropical undertones and outstanding acidity, are all present in the Alsatian wines. German-influenced wines are less belligerent and frequently have a hint of sweetness, which makes the wine more fluid. Wurze (spice), after all, is a German word.

It flows thickly in the glass and is quite consistent, shedding large, sluggish tears. The richest are greasy and run like syrup, similar to raisin wines. Golden yellow and welcoming, or golden amber if from a late harvest.

When you sniff the glass, a tropical plantation will suddenly appear before you. Mango, pineapple, banana, passion fruit, and litchi are among the fruits that are marinated in a mixture of rose petals, broom, honey, rosemary, anise, wisteria, and sage, which are also echoed by pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. Apples of all varieties are a key Gewurz trademark.

Peaches, pears, tangerines, oranges, and other citrus fruits are further potential indicators. Caramelized or glacéd peel may also occasionally appear. The most intriguing combination is a trio consisting of apricot, raisin, and date blended into a whirlwind of pleasure. The most seductive bottles of butter and panettone.

But let's address the final and most delicate point of contention. Finding harmony in a powerful symphony like Gewurztraminer is difficult. The wine could be flabby and all the fragrant seductions would become a doughy mess if the wine's level of alcohol and sharpness were off. Nothing is more depressing than a chalice of regrets, though. You won't forget the satisfaction this wine can bring you, especially if it's a botrytized Gewurztraminer, which is a liquid gold capable of withstanding prolonged maturation, so don't worry.

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Gewürztraminer History

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Gewürztraminer History
Joined: July 20th, 2022
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