Country: Germany Region: Nahe Grape: Gewürztraminer
Nahe is a relatively small wine-growing region in Germany, with approximately 10,400 acres of vineyards, located in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The region takes its name from the Nahe River which flows through it until it merges with the Rhine at Bingen. Nahe’s best vineyards can be found on steep volcanic slopes dotted along the river.
The term auslese (meaning “selected harvest”) is a wine term for a late harvest wine. The handpicked Gewürztraminer used in this wine provides an example of the noble aroma of this grape. With flavors reminiscent of roses and ripe peaches, enjoy this wine of golden yellow with green shadings with eyes closed to be seduced to dream. Perhaps you will notice some spritz (fine bubbles) clinging to the inside of your glass, a rather common visual delight provided by wines made from this grape variety.
Your selection from Germany this month will not benefit from further aging. Uncork it now, and serve chilled as an aperitif or with game pate, Asian cuisine, poultry with aromatic sauces or ragouts. Because this wine has a diffinitive sweetness, it also complements fresh fruit tarts, cakes and cookies.
GEWÜRZTRAMINER — A white grape that may be hued lavendar, pink or reddish in skin color, it produces very aromatic, somewhat spicy wines. Complex bouquets range from musky grape to pungent pepper. High in natural sugar, it flourishes in Germany where bouquets of lychees and flowers are prominent. It is also grown from South Africa to California, though California’s version exhibits this grape’s softer side, with milder characteristics.
