Gewürztraminer

Also: Gewürz · Traminer Aromatico

Gewürztraminer is probably the most recognizable grape in the world in a blind tasting. Its aromatic profile—lychee, rose, ginger—is so distinctive that it practically doesn't get confused with any other grape. Its German name, 'Gewürz', literally means 'spiced', and that captures its personality well. It's a pink-skinned variety that produces medium to full-bodied white wines, generous alcohol, and medium-low acidity. Its fullest expression is in Alsace, France, where it produces everything from powerful dry wines to late-harvest sweets (Vendanges Tardives) and the great botrytized Sélection de Grains Nobles. It's one of the most versatile grapes for pairing with spiced and aromatic food: Thai, mild Indian, Moroccan, smoked with fruit. Its almost cosmetic aromatics make it difficult for some palates but addictive for others. In Argentina there are few hectares planted but the existing examples are interesting.