Question: I’ve always been fascinated by Gewürztraminer. What should I match it with?
The term Gewürztraminer is a combination of a noun and a place name. Gewürz in German means “spice,” which is exactly what you get on the nose. Traminer means “from Tramin,” the town in the southern Tyrol where the grape was first propagated (Tramin is now part of Italy and renamed Tremeno). Records of the grape in this region go back as far as the 11th century. Pronounce it “G’verts-tra-meener.” Or just ask for G’verz till it hurts.
This pinkish-skinned grape has the most readily identifiable bouquet of any wine grape other than Muscat. When you pull the cork, you’ll experience that sudden rush of lychee, rosewater, ginger, grapefruit and honey — depending on the climate and soil in which the vines are planted.
One of the best food matches I have experienced was Alsace Gewürz with Muenster cheese. The wine, because of its oriental spiciness, goes well with Asian dishes and light curries.
Joseph Cattin Hatschbourg Gewurztraminer, 2012 (Alsace, France)
This is a wine for Gewürztraminer lovers — a classic Alsace Gewürz. Old gold in colour with a spicy nose of lychee, rose petal, grapefruit and ginger — and it doesn’t get more classic than that. Full-bodied and off-dry with great length. Food match: pork tenderloin, baked ham and, if you’re adventuresome, Muenster cheese.
$21.95 for a 750 ml bottle, Vintages #259770