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Archive for July 19th, 2007

19

Jul

Bringing Back the 70s: The Return of Gewürztraminer

Sean Sellers  in White Wines, Gewürztraminer , , , ,

Often cited, somewhat patronisingly, by wine critics as a starter grape for people beginning to enjoy wine, Alsatian, Australian, and New Zealand varieties Gewürztraminer’s traditional aromatic bouquets of lychee, rose petals, and Turkish Delight would seem to make it a poor introductory grape when compared to a crisper, lighter alternative. Rather, it is Italian variety from where the traminer grape takes its name with its more subtle aromatics that would better suit the newcomer. (The direct translation of Gewürztraminer is spicy traminer.)

Take for example the 2005 Alois Lageder Single Vineyard Gewürztraminer, £12 from Planet of the Grapes ($12 US according to Wine Spectator). In recent years, Alois Lageder, situated in Bolzano part of the German/Italian-speaking region of northern Italy known as both Alto Adige and Südtirol and until 1919 part of Austria, has worked to make its operation more environmentally sound using renewable energy sources and vinification tower that purportedly uses gravity to help transform the grape.

As for the wine, its low-alcohol content of 12.5% makes it the perfect aperitif: light colour and finish, met with a slightly floral nose of subtle lychee fruits. It would also very well with a nice summer pasta (no red sauce) or a mildly-spiced, light summer curry or stir-fry.

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