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Pronounced Ge-VURTZ-tra-mee-ner or shortened Ge-VURTZ. Gewürztraminer is a tough wine to pronounce but a fun wine to drink. Gewurtz means “spice” in German, and it just so happens that spice is the most obvious characteristic. The grape has noble origins in France’s Alsace region, but the grape also flourishes in Germany and Italy. New World plantings can be found in California, Oregon, Washington, New Zealand and Australia. This pinkish colored grape produces wines with nice acidity and is produced with varying degrees of sweetness. The wine can sometimes pick up a very slight rose tinge color from pigment in the skins. Monterey County and other well-made Gewürztraminers often possess a perfumed bouquet reminiscent of litchi-nut, grapefruit, rosewater, violets, honey and guava. The namesake spices would be nutmeg, clove and cardamom.

Gewürztraminer can be paired with a wide variety of foods. During warm days this wine can be enjoyed with light picnic- faire. This also is an excellent wine to serve with fruit & cheese at receptions, but will also compliment Holiday faire like roasted turkey and honey-baked ham. In addition, you can take ordinary Chinese or Thai take-out to a new level by serving an off-dry (slightly sweet) Gewürztraminer.