The Gewürztraminer grape. It’s one of those intense, unmistakable flavors—like cilantro or ginger—that people either adore and seek out or say, “not for me.” Those in the first camp will love these Northern Michigan versions of the Alsatian wine, lusciously floral and delicately spicy.
Snag a bottle to save for Thanksgiving dinner (it’s a classic with turkey and sage-y stuffing) or for takeout night (Gewürz gets even lovelier with spicy Asian food from sushi to coconut Thai curries). For fabulous takeout pairing, travel to N.J.’s Grocery in Lake Leelanau for succulent Indian samosas and chickpea curries in the deli case.
2006 Peninsula Cellars Manigold Gewürztraminer
($19.99) Of this Old Mission winery’s two Gewürz wines, this limited production vintage comes from a single vineyard, has a higher alcohol content and a more intense rose petal bouquet on the nose. Sexy, spicy finish. peninsulacellars.com.
2007 Bel Lago Gewürztraminer
($18) Lots of fruit flavors, a tingling spice and lingering finish. bellago.com.
2008 Chateau Fontaine Gewürztraminer
($16) The winemaker makes this exactly the way the Gewürztraminer grape tastes, resulting in a highly aromatic wine layered with apricot and hints of clove. chateaufontaine.com.
2007 Shady Lane Gewürztraminer
($18) Winemaker Adam Satchwell would pair this spicy and dry wine with steamed crab. shadylanecellars.com.
Wine Tips, Tours and Travel in Traverse City, Old Mission and Leelanau
- Savor Leelanau’s Wine Country
- Old Mission Peninsula Wine Country
- Video: Sit Back and Tour Northern Michigan Wine Country
- Northern Michigan Sparkling Wines
- Water and Wine Weekends
- Video: Tapas and Wine Touring at Old Mission’s Chateau Chantal
- Michigan Beer and Wine Dinners at Boyne
- Traverse City’s Urban Winery
- See Wine Country by Bike
- Subscribe to MyNorth’s Food & Wine Newsletter: It’s free!
- Romancing the Riesling