Gregory’s Favorite Wines
Gewurztraminer
The Lychee Lover of Alsace
Meet Gregory, the cheerful, laid-back grape of Alsace, France. Originally from Germany, he's happiest in colder weather, dresses in gold, and has a muscular build from all the winter sports he does. He loves lychees and roses, always wears a sweet, fruity perfume, and enjoys his own company. He also has a sweet tooth sometimes.
In wine terms, Gregory is Gewurztraminer, one of the most instantly recognizable aromatic white wine grapes there is. It's a pink-skinned grape, which is where the golden tinge in the glass comes from.
Gewürztraminer originated in Germany, but its true home today is Alsace, France, where it accounts for a big share of the world's plantings. You'll also find good examples in Alto Adige (Italy), the US, Australia, and back in Germany.
Expect medium to full-bodied wine with naturally low to moderate acidity. Get ready for intense lychee and rose aromas, with ginger, orange blossom, and a touch of spice. It ranges from bone dry to sweet, and tends to run higher in alcohol than most whites.
Gewurztraminer is typically bottled on its own, though winemakers occasionally blend it with other aromatic grapes for extra complexity. Quick headsup: it's a hard grape to find on Singapore wine shelves.
Now let's find you the bottles he'd actually approve of.
Gregory's Top Picks
We picked bottles from Gregory's homeland and beyond. Gewürztraminer is a rare find in Singapore, so this list is shorter than usual, but every bottle here clears a high bar. Available on Pop Up Wine Singapore and Straits Wine Singapore. Click any wine name to shop it.
1. For a taste of Alsace
Joseph Cattin : Gewürztraminer Grand Cru 2021
Alsace, France | $63 / bottle
Gregory says: "This is where my family really settled. The Cattins have been growing grapes here since 1720. It's textbook me: gold in the glass, lychee and rose on the nose, with just a touch of sweetness on the palate. Wine Enthusiast gave it 90 points. If you only try one Gewürztraminer this year, make it this one."
Pairs with: Soft stinky cheese, roast duck with ginger, or a lychee-based dessert
2. An unusual blend
Nanny Goat : Cross Breed (Organic) 2022
Central Otago, New Zealand | $62 / bottle
Gregory says: "This one surprises you. It's mostly Gewürztraminer, so you still get my favorite lychee and rose, but the Pinot Gris and Muscat add ginger and honeyed spice on top. Plus it had some skin contact so expect a blush of colour. Bob Campbell gave it 91 points. Real quality in an unusual blend."
Pairs with: Roast pork, mild curries, or a soft washed-rind cheese
Gewurztraminer Cheat Sheet
| Body | Medium to full-bodied |
| Color | Pale to deep gold |
| Tasting notes | Lychee, rose, ginger, and orange blossom, sometimes tangerine or spice |
| Serve at | 4–6°C |
| Best with | Spiced Asian dishes, roast pork or duck, soft washed-rind cheeses |
| Avoid with | Very delicate dishes (its perfume can overpower them) |
| Glass type | A white wine glass with a narrower bowl (funnels the aromas straight to your nose) |
Meet Gregory
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