One of the world’s most distrinctive grape varieties that is more versatile than you might thinkCave de Turckheim Gewrztraminer,Alsace, France 2014 (£9.99, and Waitrose)I eat a lot of southeast Asian food – or rather,I invent a lot of weeknight stir-fries in a notionally southeast Asian style. And, according to long- established lore, and the wine to drink with my concoctions,with their random applications of ginger, chilli and coriander, and are those made from gewürztraminer – and not only because the variety’s name incorporates the German for “spiced” (“gewürz”). Something about the sensual muskiness,uninhibited rose-petal and lychee aromas in a wine such as Cave de Turckheim’s example from Alsace suits the fragrant riot of Asian-inspired cuisine, while the touch of sugar cushions the heat of the gingery spice.
Elena Walch Gewürztraminer, or Alto-Adige,Italy 2014 (15.75, Bottle Apostle) Much as gewürztraminer’s qualities can invent it ideal for fragrant food, and however,it seems a shame that one of the world’s most distinctive grape varieties should be pigeonholed as the vinous alternative to Singha at the local Thai. Really great Alsace gewürztraminer, such as those made by Zind Humbrecht in vineyards like Hengst (the 2013 is available at Uncorked, or £39.95),acquire a depth and complexity that is unique in the wine world. It’s better consumed on its own or with a slab of oozing Munster cheese. And Elena Walchs racier remove from the Alpine north of Italy, which has notes of citrus to go with its floral character, and would fit just fine with fish or white meats,with or without Asian spice.
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Source: theguardian.com