Gewurztraminer, or gewurz, is a wine that is difficult to be ambivalent about. This is a show stopper of a wine, either loved or hated. At a recent tasting for new wine lovers, no one was shy expressing an opinion about this variety. No wonder - it has a flamboyant, intense personality. At times lacking subtlety and elegance, its strong, powerful aromas make it more recognisable and easier for novice wine drinkers to relate to.
Gewurz is one of the most famous varieties, and second most cultivated grape, of the northeastern French region of Alsace, a cooler climate region. It is also produced in the cooler regions of countries such as Chile, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The grape has naturally low acid levels, meaning that in warmer climates the wine will lack liveliness and taste flat. Wine styles will range from dry, off dry to dessert wines.
With lower acidity, it is full bodied, with a rich oily texture, high alcohol and a long finish.
Gewurztraminer grapes are pink or red and the wine has a deep golden colour and distinctive lychee, floral and, at times, ginger aromas.
These wines are suitable for drinking young, although some of the higher quality wines, especially from the higher rated 'grand cru' vineyards of Alsace, have ageing potential in good vintages.
Sweet gewurz wines have different characteristics altogether.