
This is a white wine you may not have heard of. Pronounced (Gay-hurtz-tra-meaner), Gewürztraminer is known for its highly aromatic and spicy nuances.
Traminer, an ancient wine originating from the land of my ancestors at the foot of the Italian Alps, gives Gewürztraminer its name—literally translating to “spicy Traminer.” Its nose is often very floral, while the taste offers off-dry grassy tones with hints of clove, nutmeg, or dried apples. These flavors are subtle, making the wine refreshingly light for an afternoon in the sun. Unlike the sharp zing of a Pinot Grigio or a cheap Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer has a balanced and nuanced character.
Look for this wine in long, tall bottles similar to Riesling—a nod to its Alpine roots. Today, Gewürztraminer thrives predominantly in the Alsace-Lorraine region of Europe, along the Rhine between France and Germany.
To me, this wine evokes the essence of Autumn, making it perfect for the season. Perhaps it’s the nuanced aroma of freshly mown hay at harvest time that does it! With the holidays approaching, consider Gewürztraminer as an excellent pairing for turkey, yams, and hot buttered rolls—it’s so good, you’ll be rushing through grace to enjoy a sip!
One final note: Gewürztraminer is uniquely suited to complement spicy Asian dishes. So, if you find yourself dining on Convoy Street or at your favorite Thai spot, give it a try—but make sure you’ve practiced the pronunciation first! My girlfriend, for example, still calls it “Gewürztraburger,” so she’s banned from the wine section.
-Arrivederci!

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