the WINE GUY

G ewürztraminer is one of those wines. “Those wines”being bottles that are hard to pin down, enticingly exotic, and simply enjoyable to imbibe. From exuberant aromatics to over-the-top fruit, the “spicy Traminer”(a translation of Gewürztraminer from German) is a wine that easily impresses. Personally, I find Gewürztraminer fantastic this time of year; as the barbecuing season ramps up I’m looking for a wine that is not just fun to sip in the backyard, but also ably pairs with smoky, greasy meals coming off the grill.

B.C. Uncorked: The Art of Food and Wine

The Tri-Cities’premier wine and food festival enters its 11th season with their semi-annual event set to take place Saturday, May 30. Taking place from 7-9:30 p.m. in the Grand Hall at Heritage Woods Secondary School (1300 David Avenue, Port Moody), B.C. Uncorked showcases wines from more than 40 top-rated B.C. wineries matched with tasty bites from 10 local restaurants and caterers. Tickets are $55 each (plus GST), with proceeds benefiting The Ride to Conquer Cancer. For complete details, visit bcuncorked.ca.

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Sumac Ridge Private Reserve 2014 Gewürztraminer, B.C. ($11.09, limited time offer until May 30, #142893)

Gewürztraminer is a great wine newbie’s grape. It’s so distinct, so gregarious in aromas. And while Gewürztraminer is best known as a wine from Alsace and Germany, it fares well in local vineyards, too. Sumac Ridge is a longtime proponent of this extroverted cultivar, and their latest vintage Gew gushes with apple and tropical aromas before leading to a rich, fruity finish. It’s easy sipping but lacks a crisp counterpoint of conclusion. It’s best served with fish tacos or grilled chicken.

Bottom line: B- “Fruity and fun”

Averill Creek 2014 Gewürztraminer, B.C. ($20, limited availability through the winery and select private wine stores)

Gewürztraminer gets proper Island representation thanks to Averill Creek’s “100% Estate Grown and Hand Crafted” Cowichan Valley bottle. It’s fragrant, it’s fruity, it’s exotic and comfortable all at once. This is simply fun-sipping wine, ideally served up with an exciting, bold flavoured meal such as fried pakoras or citrus-infused ceviche.

Bottom line: B“Party pleaser”

Kuhlmann-Platz 2013 Gewürztraminer, France ($16.49, #90241)

Then again, old-school Gewürztraminer is all about Northern European vineyards. If you’re used to drinking New World Gewürztraminer, Alsace’s Kuhlmann-Platz offers another fun take on this aromatic grape. On first sniff, aromas abound: lifted rose petal notes, stone fruit, and super lychee. A soft, fruity entry marks this as a crowdpleaser, with a honeyed mouthfeel leading to an off-dry — albeit fresh and balanced — finish. It’s great to taste side-by-side with a homegrown B.C. version, all in the name of wine education of course!

Bottom line: B+