2007 Willm Gewurztraminer

Hello Everyone! It's time to talk about a grape that you have probably heard of, may have difficulty pronouncing and have no idea what to expect: Gewurtztraminer. Gewurtztraminer is one of the noble grapes from the Alsace region of France near the German border, and grows better there than anywhere else in the world. Most of the vineyards are sandwiched between the Rhine River and the Vosges Mountains, giving near perfect growing conditions for the grape varietals they grow there. Alsace is a conundrum of a place-with both French and German influences given its back and forth history during the European wars in the last two centuries. So while Alsace is part of France, much of its culture, place names, and wine-making practices show German influence. In fact, "Gewurtz" is German for spice, and this wine generally lives up to this characterization. You can also find a less spicy version of the grape outside of Alsace known as Traminer, and it is often blended with Riesling for a smooth, very floral and refreshing wine (look for Australia's Rosemount Estates' Traminer Riesling - an inexpensive summer quaffer).

We've always had a bit of a love/hate relationship with Gewurtztraminer (Bryan loves it, Rachel vacillates between loving it and well, not loving it). One of our first experiences with Gewurtz was back in Boston in 1997 or '98 when we tried one from a well known and reputable producer, Trimbach. We thought that it was a bit too dry and a little herbaceous. But we continued the search for this intriguing grape.

The 2007 Willm Reserve Gewurztraminer is a serious, full bodied, straw-colored wine from Alsace. It's not as well-known as the offerings from the larger producers Trimbach and Hugel, but we believe that the Willm is a fantastic representation of Gewurtztraminer at its best. This wine is very lush, has a richer more tropical fruit flavors such as lychee, a bit of honey and all of the floral bouquet of Gewurtztraminer.

This wine is perfect nicely chilled as an aperitif or on its own with spicy foods such as Indian or Chinese. Willm typically runs from $15 - $20 and is generally less expensive than Trimbach or Hugel. When we are in the mood for Gewurztraminer, this is our first choice and it falls under the rating of buy often. This wine can be a bit "sweet-tasting" and the flavors can be a bit intense so it's not an everyday wine. We don't buy it by the case and most stores tend not to have that much on hand.

If you're up for a lush, floral, wine with touches of honey then give this one a try.

Like what you drink, drink what you like!

Rachel & Bryan Gavini