Gewurztraminer

We love its unique aromas of rose petals, lychees and Turkish delight with the odd savoury note (some mention bacon); however, we know it’s not to everyone’s taste – and we’ve seen quite a few customers visibly wince when they’ve smell it. That said, this is a very special grape (even if you don’t like it!). Nothing else smells or tastes like it and we marvel how a grape can produce such a singular host of aromas and flavours. Its home is in Alsace – where arguably the best examples come from – but it has spread its wings as far afield as New Zealand. Food-wise, it’s traditionally recommended as a good partner to spicy food and indeed, we’ve had spectacular matches with quite pokey Thai curry. Some also suggest it can complement stinky cheeses such as Munster and it’s certainly worked well with cheese fondue. However, savouring it by itself gives us immense pleasure – even if others are holding their noses!

If you like Gewurztraminer, you might also like … Viognier, Torrontes