The Cellar: The Wonders of Gewürz

Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer

The Cellar: The Wonders of Gewürz

One of my favorite grape varieties is the widely underappreciated and often misunderstood pink-skinned Gewürztraminer. Gewürz, as is it called in wine circles, is one of the more distinct members of the Vinifera grape family making it relatively easy to identify in a blind tasting. Rarely blended, Gewürz makes medium to full bodied wines, often deeply colored and always very aromatic. It is because of this ‘richness’, which can be cloying in lesser quality Gewürztraminers that often displays a heavy dose of residual sugar as well - that Gewürz is often sidelined. (I am sure that the difficulties that many people have pronouncing its name isn’t helpful either.)

Gewürztraminer Wine Guide

Gewürz has an interesting history. DNA testing has shown that Gewürztraminer was ‘created’ as a result of a natural mutation that occurred around 1000AD between the grape varieties Traminer and Pinot. Named partially after the north Italian village of Tramin in Alto Adige where this took place, Gewürztraminer is also planted in Austria, Germany and in the northeastern French wine region of Alsace where some of the most highly prized and sought-after examples are produced.

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The key to a good Gewürztraminer, in my opinion, is being able to keep it under control; i.e. keeping the wine dry and preserving the all important acidity. This is why I prefer and recommend Gewürztraminers from cooler regions such as this week’s feature wine from Alto Adige. Elena Walch’s wines are absolutely fantastic - available locally and very reasonably priced. Hot off the bottling line their 2013 Gewürztraminer is absolutely stunning filled with aromatic flowers and tropical stone fruits such as lychee and ripe peaches. This wine also has a healthy dose of spices adding to the complexity. There is a lot going on but its dry and crisp frame keeps everything in line. (The 2012 vintage is fantastic as well)

 

Wine Tasting

As of today there are still a few tickets left for next Fridays wine tasting at the Providence Wine Academy featuring, among other varieties, the wonderful Gewürztraminer. Among the wines sampled will be a single vineyard Gewürz from Elena Walch; their 2012 Estate ‘Kastelaz Vineyard’ Gewürztraminer. Don’t miss out! Well structured Gewürztraminers have serious aging potential. To highlight this capability (as well as a wine from Alsace), participants will also be sampling Domaine Schlumberger’s ‘Les Princes Abbes’ Gewürztraminer – the ’08 vintage. So purchase you ticket or head to your local wineshop and ask for a cool climate Gewürz – you won’t be disappointed

Cheers!

 

Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at [email protected] with any wine-related question or learn about wine in person by signing up for one of his tastings through the Providence Wine Academy .

10 New England Wine Getaways

Newport Vineyards

Newport Vineyards is the perfect Rhode Island destination for wine lovers year round. Visit the winery this weekend for tastings and tours, featuring an array of award winning wines.

909 E Main Road, Middletown, RI. (401) 848-5161.

Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineya

Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton is much more than just a winery—it is a place to get away from the stresses of life and indulge your senses, a place to try new things, a place to focus on you. The vineyard is open every day, and invites you to come for a tasting and tour. Try their Petite Red, Vidal Blanc, and many more of their distinctive wines.

162 W Main Road, Little Compton, RI. (401) 635-8486.

Greenvale Vineyards

Visit Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth to sample their estate grown and produced wine, made in small batches. While at the estate, try seven different wines and keep the wine glass for only $12. While you are tasting, take in the gorgeous views of both the vineyard and river. Besides tasting the wines, Greenvale also invites customers to tour the winery and learn about the history and process of winemaking at the vineyard.

582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth, RI. (401) 847-3777.

Maugle Sierra Vineyards

For a trip to a vineyard that includes much more than just wine, hop over the border to Ledyard, CT, to check out Maugle Sierra Vineyards. The vineyard hosts live music on Fridays and Sundays to compliment your wine tasting experience. Pack a dinner or light fare and enjoy a tasting session in the Sierra Room while you take in the sunset.

825 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard, CT. (860) 464-2987.

Nickle Creek Vineyards

Nickle Creek Vineyard is a family owned and operated Rhode Island wine treasure. The winery, located in Foster, makes it their mission to handcraft the most unique, high quality wines in the business. All wines are created in small batches, giving them a distinctly unique taste. This weekend, visit their tasting room to try their variety of wines. On your way out, be sure to pick up a bottle of Foster Nights to get you through those chilly New England evenings.

12 King Road, Foster, RI. (401) 369-3694.

Nashoba Valley Winery

Take the bite off the winter chill this weekend and take a drive to Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton. The winery hosts tasting events everyday from 10am-4:30pm For $5, receive a free tasting glass and samples of up to five different wines. Some favorites include Strawberry Rhubarb Wine, Holiday Special Cranberry Apple (a new release in November 2013), and New English Cider. If you are in the mood for something other than wine (if that’s possible), check out their beer selection as well!

100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-5521.

Bishop’s Orchards Winery

The wines from Bishop’s Orchards Winery and Farm Market in Guilford, CT, have won over 179 medals since the winery opened in 2005. The tasting room at Bishop’s is open seven days a week year round, so no time is off-limits for wine tasting. Head over on the weekend to enjoy a winery tour pre or post tasting session. While visiting the winery, also be sure to check out the market for fresh baked goodies.

1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT. (203) 453-2338.

Diamond Hill Vineyards

For a cool twist on classic wine labels, look no further than Diamond Hill Vineyard in Cumberland. At Diamond Hill, you can get custom designed wine labels perfect for any occasion. If you’re interested in tasting the wines, visit their elegant tasting room for samples of their high quality wines such as Cranberry Apple, Estate Pinot Noir, or Blackberry.

3145 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI. (401) 333-2751.

Westport Rivers

Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery

Tucked away on the southern coast of Massachusetts, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, located about an hour’s drive from Worcester, is worth the trip. For only $10, you can take home a special edition etched wine glass and enjoy a tasting of up to six of their award-winning wines. While the tasting room is open Monday-Saturday, free winery tours are also offered to the public every Saturday from 1-3pm.

417 Hixbridge Rd, Westport, MA. (508) 636-3423.

Travessia Winery

Found on the southern Massachusetts coast about 30 minutes outside of Providence, is Travessia Winery in New Bedford. This micro-winery puts a twist on traditional wine culture with its cool urban flair. Travessia is open for sales and tastings Wednesday-Sunday, and invites customers to come in and enjoy their unique variety of wines.

760 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (774) 929-6534.

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