As the sun has come out and because I’m feeling whimsical, I thought we could take a look at a grape variety that most of us avoid like a rabid dog, the muscle man of the white wine world and the one with the name we can't pronounce, Gewurztraminer. I just call it ‘guv - urts’ and it’s never raised any eyebrows although, that might be because the wine merchants are just delighted to shift some!
It’s origins are a bit mixed up although it seems to be the love child of several grapes involved in some historic menage a trois centuries ago and it’s obviously taken the best bits from all the parents. The first time I tried one, I was bowled over by the strength and quality of the aroma but that was nothing compared to the surprise I got when it hit my palate. I called it the muscle man of the white wine world and for good reason because the flavours burst into life like a pack of over tanned and waxed bodybuilders when they see a mirror. Lychees, peaches, pears and crisp refreshing acidity made it a memorable experience, and although I've had one or two dogs over the years, most of those have been under a tenner to be fair.
People often ask what to drink with spicy foods and I used to say Lager, but seriously folks, this is the grape to go for because it punches flavour for flavour with the strongest vindaloo and it's better than a breath mint afterwards so if the plan is curry, alcohol and love, look no further!
Anyway, it’s hot outside and I'm napalming some chicken to go with my crisp glass of Guv Urts so pip pip for another week folks.
Lechburg Gewurztraminer, Romania
Lovely fruity aroma with zesty lemons and peaches on a generous palate. Plenty of alcohol as well with this one so it’s perfect for a curry night.
Oddbins £15.50
Artisan Tasmanian Gewurztraminer
A really perfumed version with spices and lychees on its ample palate. Well done Aldi for this corker.
Aldi - online only- £10.99
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here