Gewürztraminer

The Marmite grape variety – some people love it, some people hate it. A complicated history and easy tendency to mutate makes plotting what Gewürztraminer is or where it came from rather difficult; indeed, it is impossible to be sure that every vine labelled Gewürztraminer is, in fact, truly Gewürztraminer although they will all be related. The ‘Gewürz’ part of the name is derived from German, meaning ‘spicy’ or ‘perfumed’, whilst the ‘Traminer’ bit refers to a small village now in Northern Italy from whence came one of its precursors. It is an über perfumed variety with the heady scent of lychess, possibly roses, and a rich enveloping palate. It is mostly associated with Alsace, although it is grown throughout Central Europe. A classic match with Chinese food.