Swill or Swell: Episode 31

Fetzer Gewürztraminer

Watch the Episode Here

Welcome to Swill or Swell, a weekly series where I taste grocery store wines and let you know if they’re worth the buck or just meant for the drain! 

CAVEAT! As you read this, please keep in mind that wine is subjective! This means that everyone enjoys different things and something I like might not be something you like and vice versa. I’ll be as objective as I can with facts about the wine’s quality, but in the end if your opinion differs from mine...that’s perfectly fine! Wine is only worth drinking if YOU like drinking it.

LET'S INTRODUCE THE WINE

Today I'll be tasting the 2020 Fetzer Gewürztraminer. I purchased this from Kroger QFC for under $6.99. This is a new varietal to the series so I'm curious to see what it tastes like. It's also exciting to note that Fetzer is incredibly sustainable as it's certified zero waste and has been using 100% renewable energy for years.

FETZER GEWURZTRAMINER FUN FACTS

Let's start by talking about the Gewürztraminer grape:

• Known for being incredibly aromatic
  
  • Specifically smelling like lychee. If you're like me and not familiar with that smell, most describe it as “sweet rose.”
    
• Grown up version of Moscato
  
  • Higher alcohol, more striking aromatics and lower acidity
    
  • Not always sweet, though aromas will make you believe it is. Often at least 1-2g RS (residual sugar).
    
• Originated in Germany.
  
  • But its homeland is the Alps.
    
  • Likes cooler climate.
    
  • Is one of the 4 Grand Crus of Alsace, France. (Also it's largest producer!)
    
• Pink Grape (like Pinot Grigio)
  

Now let's talk about the region (California) and winemaking behind this wine:

• Before sweet wines lost their stature, many Gewürztraminer vines were planted throughout California in the 1960’s
  • The best are grown in cooler climates like Sonoma and Monterey, along with high elevation vineyards throughout the state.
• In terms of winemaking,
  • Fragrant grapes from cooler regions, including Monterey County, were pressed as whole berries.
  • Wine was slowly fermented at cooler temperatures in stainless steel tanks.
  • Partial lees contact during aging (leads to more roundness and fuller body).

WINE TASTING NOTES

Look: Pale (but brilliant) yellow
Smell: Tropical and floral are the first notes I’m picking up. This is going to be weird, but it smells a bit like Hawaii to me, and I think that’s because of the acai bowls I got there all the time on my honeymoon. Along with the floral and crisp ocean water smell! Candied rose is definitely there as well.
Taste: Medium acidity, medium plus body, off-dry, medium minus alcohol (might just be the sweetness covering it up)
Think:
Food Pairing - Definitely recommending this with anything spicy, especially a curry dish of sorts. This wine will provide great balance. Could also go well with a strawberry angel food cake, or other desserts that aren’t overly sweet.
Occasion - Great for friends or family that prefer a touch of sweetness in their wine, but I also imagine this would be a great brunch wine to pair with blueberry waffles or strawberry covered french toast!
Rating - Not my cup of tea…but I can appreciate it for what it is. It’s got great aromatics, and a good structure, so I’m giving it a swell.

Want to learn more? Check out my Instagram every Thursday at 5PM PST for a new episode of Swill or Swell! Have a wine you’d like me to taste? Write your request in the comments below or send me a message on Instagram!