"Gewurztraminer" .
What a hard name to say!
That's right (laughs)
This is a pronunciation that is not often found in Japanese, so it may be the most difficult variety to say.
The somewhat difficult-to-pronounce Gewürztraminer is the German name for a white wine grape variety.
It is pronounced differently, sometimes called "Gewurztraminer" and sometimes called "Gewurztraminer".
- Gewurztraminer
We will use the following standard notation.
Well, this slightly unusual-named Gewurztraminer is a grape variety that is produced all over the world. However, I think many people have never heard of it before. This is because it is a variety that is not produced in large quantities, so it is rarely available on the market, and naturally, it is not well known.
However, the aroma of Gewurztraminer is so distinctive and unique that it is an appealing variety with many enthusiastic and loyal fans.
The name and aroma of Gewurztraminer make it appealing to wine fans around the world.
Gewurztraminer has a big presence in New Zealand. Of course, it is not a major wine because the production volume is small, but there are many fans who are fascinated by the wine's distinctive, strong aroma. The clear characteristics that are easy to understand even for beginners may be the secret to its popularity.
Although it is not a main item, it is an essential variety that many wineries include in their production lineup.
Yes, Gewurztraminer is definitely a hidden favorite.
What is the appeal of Gewurztraminer, with its unique aroma that never ceases to draw people in?
Here we will reveal the secret behind its charm in detail.
A variety that combines spiciness and elegance
"Gewurz" means "spice" in German.
The name "Traminer" is said to have originated from the name of a grape variety called "Traminer" that is native to northern Italy.
The typical aroma of Gewurztraminer is "spicy," just as its name suggests.
On the other hand, this is a white wine that also fits the description of being "splendid."
A very aromatic scent, reminiscent of perfume.
Once you try it, you'll never forget it.
A strong, distinct aroma and taste
So, let's take a closer look at what kind of unique characteristics it has, and the characteristics of its aroma and taste.
Unmistakable lychee flavor
Gewurztraminer has a distinct aroma that can be detected immediately even by just putting your nose close to the glass.
Its representative scents include lychee, tropical fruits, citrus fruits, and rose. It has a complex spicy flavor, but it is also a gorgeous and elegant fragrance.
Among them , the scent of lychee is the most important. Please remember it. You can think of it as the most distinctive scent.
The distinct lychee flavor is so strong that if you add lychee liqueur to a cheap white wine, you might mistake it for Gewurztraminer.
That's how strong the lychee flavor is.
Hearty flavor
Gewurztraminer is a white wine with a full, rich mouthfeel.
It has little acidity and a slight bitterness.
Golden white wine
When we think of white wine grape varieties, we imagine yellow-green berries, but Gewurztraminer has a grey-pink skin.
Because it is an early-ripening grape, the sugar content increases easily, which results in a wide variety of flavors ranging from dry to very sweet.
The wine is rich and has a smooth mouthfeel.
And the color is yellowish gold.
Another distinctive feature is that many Gewurztraminers are served in long, narrow bottles.
When you're in the wine section, take note that the shapes of wine bottles vary depending on the variety.
A versatile variety that also lends itself to aging
While the impression of "aging" white wine is somewhat weak, Gewurztraminer does have aging potential.
As wine ages, its sweet aromas become more pronounced and the range of flavors becomes greater.
Gewurztraminer has a low acidity to begin with, but this reduces it even further, making it mellow and easy to drink.
Cool climate favors early-ripening grapes
This is a bit of a technical topic, but I'd like to touch on the growing environment of grape vines.
Gewurztraminer is a grape that buds early and ripens quickly, so it does best in cool, dry climates, and does not do well in climates that are too warm.
It is also a delicate grape variety and difficult to cultivate.
For grapes that sprout in the spring when it is still cold, frost is their natural enemy, and they are also susceptible to disease.
As a relatively labor-intensive variety, cultivating Gewurztraminer is a real challenge for producers.
However, if successful, it is an attractive variety with the potential to produce fine wines.
Perfect match with rich ingredients and dishes
A spicy and gorgeous Gewurztraminer.
What dishes would go well with this distinctive white wine?
If the wine itself has too strong a character, it may be difficult to pair it with food.
It can be a bit difficult to choose, so we recommend ingredients with strong, distinctive flavors.
For example, what kind of food would go well with it?
For example, foie gras and blue cheese go well with Gewurztraminer. Try eating foie gras simply with rock salt and black pepper. It will match perfectly.
In addition, it goes well with ethnic cuisine (Thai, Vietnamese, etc.), Chinese cuisine, and other dishes with strong flavors and those that use a lot of spices.
In short, it is a wine with a strong, distinctive aroma and flavor, so it goes well with ingredients and dishes that have a strong, full-bodied taste.
It also goes well with curry, a classic Japanese home-cooking dish.
White wine is typically paired with light fish dishes, so these may seem surprising to many people, but we encourage you to give them a try.
What are the characteristics of production areas around the world?
Gewurztraminer is known for its strong character, but in Europe there is also a variety that has a more subdued character.
Let's take a look at Gewurztraminer in its main producing areas, France (Alsace region), and Germany.
Gewurztraminer from France (Alsace)
Currently, the Alsace region , which is the region that grows the most Gewurztraminer, is located in the northeastern part of France, on the border with Germany. Gewurztraminer from Alsace is characterized by its strong aroma and elegant finish.
The Alsace region is a famous grape-producing region, along with Bordeaux and Burgundy . Unlike other regions in France, this region grows many grape varieties for white wine, which are suitable for cool climates.
The Alsace region, with its mountains over 1,000 meters above sea level, has a cool climate that is ideal for growing grapes. In addition, it also has the following conditions:
- Lots of sunshine in the summer
- There is little rain and it is dry
- Highly moisture-retentive clay soil
These are also ideal conditions for Gewürztraminer.
This is also true in the Alsace region, and it is no wonder that it produces such high-quality wines.
The Alsace region is also known as a "mosaic" because it has many different types of soil in a small area, making it possible to cultivate a wide variety of grape varieties.
Grapes recognised as Grand Cru in Alsace
In 1975, the Alsace region established the "Alsace Grand Cru" legal regulation to protect the individuality of the region.
"Grand Cru" refers to a designated vineyard that has been graded. It is also known as a special vineyard.
In Alsace Grand Cru, grapes are generally hand-picked.
The following four varieties are designated for cultivation:
- Gewurztraminer
- Riesling
- Pinot Gris
- Muscat
Because the wine-producing area is small and various grape varieties adapted to the soil are grown, specifying the variety rather than the place name helps to grasp the characteristics of the wine.
Gewurztraminer from Alsace is characterised by its long, slender bottle.
Please be sure to check it out.
German Gewurztraminer
In the name's native country, Germany,
- Palatinate
- Baden
is the main production area.
Compared to Gewurztraminer from the Alsace region of France, it has a slightly lighter finish.
Germany also produces the sweetest wine, "Icewein."
New Zealand Gewurztraminer
Gewurztraminer in New Zealand is primarily grown in Marlborough, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay.
The cultivated area is 242ha (as of 2016). Although it accounts for only 1% of the total production, it is a variety with a very strong presence.
Although it is not a major variety, its aroma is very impactful and it has many loyal fans, so many wineries have added it to their production lineup, even if only in small amounts.
New Zealand Gewurztraminer is particularly fragrant, with very strong aromas of rose petals, lychee, and cinnamon.
summary
How was it?
It has a strong aroma, a soft acidity, and a rich flavor.
This may be a variety that people will either love or hate.
However, once you try it, you'll want to drink it again and again.
It has such a charm that it captivates everyone.
And once you learn this difficult-to-pronounce name, you'll never forget it, right?
Or rather, I want to say it!
It would be very cool to go to a wine bar and ask, "Do you have Gewurz?"
Please come and enjoy watching it!
