An atypical grape variety

Gewürztraminer, the emblematic grape variety of Alsace’s vineyards, is the subject of controversy, adored by some, detested by others. One thing’s for sure: it leaves no one indifferent. Whether vinified dry, sweet or off-dry, it always has a highly expressive aromatic profile, where other white grape varieties are more discreet. It tends to develop notes of exotic fruit, particularly lychee, but also honey and sweet spices like clove and cinnamon. The hardest thing when it comes to Gewürztraminer is always to find a wine with the right balance between sweetness and freshness, so that it doesn’t become nauseating once the first glass has been downed.

Classic chords

Any Alsatian will tell you that his first memories of Gewürztraminer go back to Christmas, when it accompanied Alsatian foie gras in the same way that Sauternes accompanies that of the South-West. The wine’s greediness and impression of sweetness are indeed welcome, as they don’t fade behind the power of the foie gras. A little tip: serve it with a gingerbread, which will enhance the pairing and reveal the spicy notes of the wine.

In addition to this great Alsatian classic, our Gewürztraminer is an ideal partner for onion-based dishes, such as onion tart or the famous Flammenkuche (tarte flambée). This staple ingredient of the kitchen is shaken up by the power of Gewürztraminer. This works especially well as onions have a slightly sweet flavor when candied.

The third option is to match the Gewürztraminer with the cheese platter. Preferably washed-rind or blue-veined cheeses such as the very local Munster. This creates a contrast between the glass and the plate, balancing the power of both in the most beautiful way. A violent marriage on the surface, but deliciously logical once our palate becomes acquainted with it.

The last alternative here is fruit-based desserts: fruit salad, fig tart, pineapple tatin, all work wonderfully. A mild Gewürztraminer is preferable for this kind of pairing.

Gewürztraminer in Asia

You may have thought of this when we mentioned an exotic fruit aroma to introduce the grape variety. Asian cuisine is a powerful ally for such wines, which find a fantastic playground in sweet-savory pairings and spices. Prawns in sweet and sour sauce, green curry or pineapple chicken. All these Asian bistro classics will be deliciously accompanied by our Alsatian standard-bearer. It brings just the right amount of freshness to balance the sometimes sickening sweetness of certain dishes, and just the right amount of gourmandise to calm the spiciness of the plate.

To make sure you don’t get confused by the plethora of different bottles, don’t forget to ask for information. It would be a shame to miss out on the perfect match and ruin the dish and wine because of a poorly chosen bottle.

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