Welcome to Wine 102, a deeper dive into some of the less common varietals you see on store shelves or restaurant wine lists.  The final white will be represented by none other than Gewürztraminer.

While much has been made of Gewürztraminer’s name being able to be broken into the German word for “spice” (Gewürz), it does not in fact refer to spice like baking spices, but rather perfume.  Gewürz as it happens loves to live large, and self identify with massive amounts of lychees, roses, ginger, orange marmalade, and just about every other pungent fruit-floral aroma imaginable.  In fact, it’s so floral, many people have no trouble recognizing the smell, despite still having difficulty pronouncing the name (Impress your friends: guh-vurtz-tra-meen-er)

Since it Gewürztraminer hasn’t been much of a commercial success, it correspondingly hasn’t been planted that often outside of Alsace, France.  Despite this, Alsace makes some of the best and most dependable Gewürz of both the dry and sweet persuasions. That’s not to say they’re alone, as good examples can also be found in New York, Washington, and Oregon.

Quick Facts on Gewürztraminer:

Color: White
Style: Dry to Sweet
Body:  Medium-Full
General Characteristics:  Lychee, Roses, Floral, Tangerine, Perfume
Notable Regions:  Alsace (France), New York, Trentino-Alto Adige (Italy)

Even though Gewürztraminer was being torn up for Riesling and Pinot Grigio in Washington and Oregon, Chateau Ste. Michelle has continued to release theirs.  Does Chateau Ste Michelle Gewürztraminer 2014 do the varietal justice, or is it back to Alsace?

Sight:  A pale gold, close to straw, with a watery edge.

Smell:  Aromas of clove and lychee mingle with pear and orange blossom.  The overall nose is very floral, with a sort of wet rock refreshing nature to it.  Many notes of citrus and unripe pineapple mingle.

Sip:  Bright, and almost bone dry, it has touches of bitterness to it.   There are great elements of lychee and orange blossom that leap out, they are backed by lemon zest, touches of pith, and spice.  A subtle pricklyness exists, and the body is moderate-heavy.

Savor: The ending lingers delicately, but firmly, like a ballerina.  The floral characteristics resemble violets, orange blossom, and roses.

Chateau Ste Michelle Gewürztraminer straddles a line between Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier.  While there are some big body elements going on here, which are braced against huge acidity.  If anything this combination is so dry that creates a bit of pucker, but there’s a ton of flavor packed in.  While this certainly isn’t an after dinner wine, it has a place for salads or perhaps mild thai dishes.  As dry Gewürztraminer is concerned though, Chateau Ste Michelle Gewürztraminer delivers a bracing, lively example.

Verdict:  Floral, Lychee, Lemon, Bright, Dry
Price: $8
Paterson & Woodinville, Washington
Available at Wine.Com