Alsatian white that changed my mind

Everyone at Weavers knows that I am as passionate about red wines as I am avoidant of white ones. And I love my reds! I usually lean towards a powerful full-bodied Bordeaux and steer clear of any whites that I often find too dry or acidic for my taste. And so, Philip took it upon himself to prove me wrong by placing this Gewurztraminer in front of me and telling me to go home, get a curry and open my mind as well as my stubborn taste buds.

I could think of worse homework to do, so I laughed it off and agreed to the ‘challenge’.

To say that I came back on Monday with a changed mind would be an understatement; my whole perception of white wine shifted overnight. I braved Philip’s smug face and admitted I was wrong all along.

The wine that made me change my mind was Dopff & Irion’s Gewurztraminer from the renowned Château de Riquewihr in Alsace. This region is the spiritual home of this particular variety and provides the perfect conditions for the grapes to reach their full potential. The Alsatian climate ensures the slow ripening of the grapes which results in highly aromatic, flavoursome and fuller-bodied wine.

This stunning Gewurz is packed with aromas of lychee fruit, apricots, peaches and even notes of honey. It’s rich and beautifully smooth on the palate, super fruity, yet fresh, with a delicately spiced finish. This white pairs perfectly with Oriental (mildly spicy) cuisine, cheeses such as Roquefort, Stilton or Gouda, and many desserts.

I have never been happier to be proven wrong and it only goes to show that there is a wine out there for everyone and challenging your taste buds as well as your (sometimes stubborn) mind is an integral part of your personal wine journey.