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Wine Tasting Note: Willm Alsace Gewurtztraminer 2021
Wine Region: Alsace, France
My Rating: 5 out of 5
5/5
Varietal: Gewurtztraminer
Gewurztraminer is a white grape variety that is known for producing full-bodied, aromatic wines with high natural sugar and low acidity. The grape originated in the Alsace region of France, but it’s now grown in many wine regions around the world, including Germany, Italy, Australia, and the United States. Gewurztraminer wines are typically off-dry to sweet and are characterized by strong floral and fruit aromas, often described as rose petals, lychee, and tropical fruits. Despite their sweetness, these wines can have a spicy finish, which is fitting given that “Gewurz” means “spice” in German.
About the Wine Maker: The Maison Willm
The Maison Willm has been renowned for over 120 years for the production of fruity and racy wines, and for its unique know-how. Located in the region of Barr in Alsace, their vineyard enjoys a particular notoriety thanks to its know-how and its Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr but also and especially thanks to its exceptional terroir, the Clos Gaensbrœnnel.
Wine Region Details: Alsace, France
Alsace is a unique wine region located in northeastern France, nestled between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River. It’s known for its picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and exceptional wines. The region’s climate is semi-continental, characterized by cold, relatively dry winters and warm summers, which is ideal for grape growing.
Alsace is most famous for its white wines, with the majority of the wines produced being single varietal bottlings rather than blends. The region is particularly renowned for its Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat wines, which are known for their aromatic intensity, purity of fruit, and crisp acidity.
The region also produces a smaller amount of red wine, primarily from the Pinot Noir grape, and is the only region in France to produce a significant amount of still white wine from the Pinot Noir grape, known as Pinot Blanc.
Alsace wines are typically bottled in tall, slender bottles and are often labeled with the grape variety, which is a practice that’s more common in New World wine regions than in other parts of France. The region also has a number of Grand Cru vineyard sites, which are recognized for their exceptional quality.
In addition to its wines, Alsace is also famous for its gastronomy, with local specialties that pair wonderfully with the region’s wines, making it a favorite destination for food and wine lovers alike.
Wine Pairing Suggestions:
Gewurtztraminer is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes. It’s particularly good with spicy Asian cuisine, Seafood, Middle Eastern dishes, and strong cheeses.
Visual Inspection:
Gewurtztraminer wines are known for their deep golden yellow color, and the Willm Alsace Gewurtztraminer is no exception. The wine is clear and bright, indicating good quality. The deep color suggests that the wine is made from fully ripe grapes.
Swirl & Smell the Wine:
On the nose, the Willm Alsace Gewurtztraminer is highly aromatic. It offers intense aromas of lychee, rose petals, and tropical fruits, along with a hint of sweet spice.
Taste the Wine:
On the palate, this Gewurtztraminer is off-dry, meaning it has a slight sweetness that is balanced by its high acidity. The flavors mirror the aromas, with notes of lychee, rose, and tropical fruit, along with a hint of ginger spice. The wine has a medium body, with a rich, almost oily texture that is characteristic of the Gewurtztraminer grape.
Evaluate the Finish:
The finish of the Willm Alsace Gewurtztraminer is long and aromatic, with the tropical fruit and floral flavors lingering on the palate.
Final Thoughts
This wine is a great introduction to the Gewurtztraminer grape and the Alsace region. Its intense aromas, rich flavors, and balance between sweetness and acidity make it a pleasure to drink and a great pairing for a variety of foods. Enjoy this journey into the world of Alsace wines!
Cheers,
Maximilian D. Lucena
