Gewürztraminer is a less well known variety of white wine. Given it’s versatility and welcoming spicy-sweet flavor, this is something of a conundrum, but perhaps the limited availability of Gewürztraminers has contributed to its being a less popular white wine. Vineyards like Fetzer Vineyard of California are producing Gewürztraminers and bringing this white wine to the masses, giving Gewurztraminer its rightful place on the proverbial wine map.
Gewürztraminer is a white wine variety that originated as a German wine, but is modernly produced in Alsace, France and California as well. Traditional German Gewurztraminers are medium-bodied white wines, slightly sweet with subtle spiciness, and Fetzer’s Gewurztraminer follows this tradition nicely.
Kevin Zraly, author of Windows On The World Complete Wine Course (2006, Sterling Publishing Co., NY) considers Gewürztraminer to be one of several “user-friendly” wines that are valued for their versatile nature. Fetzer Vineyard’s Gewürztraminer is no exception. Located in California, Fetzer Vineyards ranks in the top fifteen California Vineyards in wine sales. California’s vineyards are known for producing good quality wines affordable enough for every-day use and consumption.
Fetzer vineyard produces a good quality Gewürztraminer that is true to traditional German wines in texture and taste. Fetzer’s wines are commonly available anywhere good wines are sold, at affordable prices. Typically, a bottle of Fetzer Gewürztraminer is priced between nine and twelve dollars.
Fetzer Gewürztraminer is a somewhat sweet white wine of medium-body. True to traditional Gewürztraminer, Fetzer Vineyard’s wine has tones of spice as well. Fetzer Gewurztraminer also has a subtle flavor of nuts. Like most white wines, Fetzer’s Gewürztraminer pairs well with fish and seafood, pork, and veal, particularly those prepared with spicy rubs and seasonings. Fetzer Gewurztraminer is a nice meal accompaniment that does not overwhelm the dishes being served.
Gewürztraminer is one of the most commonly recommended wines for pairing with any dish that is heavy with spices; Asian cuisine, Chinese, and Indian Curry are all well matched with a Gewürztraminer. Fetzer’s affordability and good quality make it a good choice for pairing with any of these evening take-out meals at home. Think of serving a Gewurztraminer like Fetzer’s any time you might choose a Riesling or Pinot Grigio, but are in need of complementing a spicy dish with more complex flavor.
Fetzer Gewürztraminer has a light to medium sweetness to it that makes it a nice wine for sipping and certain dessert pairings. Balanced with the spice, this Gewürztraminer pairs well with a variety of hors d’ouevres and finger foods, moving easily among several courses.
Serve Fetzer Gewürztraminer as you would most German white wine, like Riesling. Chilled below room temperature, forty-five to fifty-five degrees is the desired range for Gewurztraminers. As a heavier, more complex white variety, Gewürztraminer can stand to be served more towards the warm side of the range.
Fetzer Vineyard offers several good quality, affordably priced wines, all of which are worth trying and relying on. As gewürztraminers can be somewhat difficult to locate commonly, Fetzer’s Gewürztraminer is a reliable favorite; finding a regular supplier nearby is worth the effort.
While perhaps a step below high-priced Gewürztraminers from well-noted vineyards, Fetzer’s Gewürztraminer is a very good, highly palatable choice and excellent value for the money. In fact, Fetzer’s Gewurztraminer could compete with many high-priced Gewürztraminers to be sure. Attractively bottled and affordably priced, Fetzer Vineyard’s Gewurztraminer is the ideal choice for an evening take-out meal, quiet glass at home, or as a moderately priced selection to serve at a dinner or party.
