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What to eat with a Gewurztraminer ?
Lychee, rose, sweet spices. Gewurztraminer imposes its aromatic signature from the very first sip. What dishes should it be served with? This noble Alsace grape variety accompanies exotic cuisine, strong cheeses, foie gras, and desserts. Discover our pairings from start to finish, from aperitif to dessert.
The diversity of Alsace wines allows them to enhance almost any dish. Each Alsatian grape variety has its own personality and naturally finds its place at the table, much to the delight of your guests. Among them, Gewurztraminer, the emblematic grape variety of the Alsace vineyards, stands out for its aromatic intensity and expressive character, particularly appreciated in certain gastronomic pairings.
Gewurztraminer is one of the noble Alsatian grape varieties, alongside Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Muscat. It can be enjoyed throughout the meal, creating the most delicious food and wine pairings.
At Bestheim, Gewurztraminer comes in a variety of expressions, ranging from accessible and indulgent cuvées such as Chasseurs de Lune and Rayon de Lune to Grands Crus, Vendanges Tardives, and Sélections de Grains Nobles, the true jewels of the Alsatian vineyards. To choose your Gewurztraminer according to your tastes, each cuvée offers specific pairings. Which food and wine pairings bring out the best in this grape variety?
Gewurztraminer as an aperitif
With its rich aromas and powerful fruitiness, Gewurztraminer pairs very well with sweet and savory appetizers.
This Alsatian wine is most often vinified with roundness, resulting in a sweet white wine. Its notes of rose, lychee, and spices pair beautifully with the spicy flavors of Asia, Latin America, and elsewhere.
So don't hesitate to pair it with all kinds of tapas as an aperitif: spicy shrimp skewers, tortillas and guacamole, or even cod fritters.
Gewurztraminer as an aperitif? Gewurztraminer from Les Chasseurs de Lune, of course.
Gewurztraminer and foie gras
The classic Alsace pairing. Pan-fried foie gras, semi-cooked, in a terrine. Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives imposes its richness against the fat, its acidity refreshing the palate. Our 2018 vintage strikes that rare balance between concentration and liveliness. Foie gras with figs, gingerbread terrine, pan-fried escalope on toast. The sweetness of the wine complements the creaminess of the foie gras without weighing it down. To explore all the possibilities, discover our Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives pairings in our comprehensive guide.
To explore all the possible pairings with foie gras, discover our complete guide: Which wine goes with foie gras?
Gewurztraminer with a meal
Whether served with the starter or main course, Gewurztraminer is always welcome at the table. Its aromatic intensity stands up well to strong flavors, whether spicy, sweet and savory, or simply rich.
Exotic cuisine, spicy dishes, and Asian cuisine: a good idea?
Because boldness is part of our DNA, the pairings with our Gewurztraminers can be just as daring! Whether Thai, Indian, or Chinese cuisine, Gewurztraminer stands up to spices. Its roundness softens the chili pepper, and its aromas complement ginger and lemongrass. Chicken curry, pad Thai, Peking duck, spring rolls, rice noodle stir-fry. Our Rayon de Lune strikes the perfect balance between aromatic power and freshness.
We also know that our Gewurztraminers are enjoyed with seafood and shellfish.
Alsatian dishes with Gewurztraminer
Sauerkraut, fondue, baeckeoffe. Gewurztraminer also pairs well with Alsatian cuisine. But not just any old way. The cuvée must be adapted to the dish.
Tarte flambée gratinée and onion tart: Gewurztraminer brings just the right amount of roundness without being heavy. Its aromatic palette balances the caramelized sweetness of the onions or the richness of the melted cheese and bacon.
Choucroute garnie: Chasseurs de Lune holds its own with its fruity notes that complement the smoky flavors and fermented cabbage. To find out which Alsace wine to serve with choucroute, check out our dedicated guide.
Fondue vigneronne, raclette, baeckeoffe: The roundness of Gewurztraminer balances the richness of melted cheese and charcuterie. If you're wondering which wine to choose with raclette, Gewurztraminer remains a bold option. For warm Munster cheese, only a Grand Cru like our Mambourg can stand up to the washed rind.
Presskopf, fleischnackas, spätzle gratin. The list of Alsatian dishes that pair well with Gewurztraminer is long.
Which cheeses pair well with Gewurztraminer?
Munster, Roquefort, Maroilles. Cheeses with character find their perfect match in Gewurztraminer. The stronger the cheese, the stronger the wine should be. Strong cheeses, blue cheeses, blue-veined cheeses, washed-rind cheeses. Our Mambourg and Zinnkoepflé Grand Crus impose their structure on the most full-bodied cheeses. The limestone terroir brings length and amplitude.
What dessert goes well with a Gewurztraminer?
To finish your meal in style, treat yourself to a Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives, paired with macarons, fruit desserts, sorbets, or chocolate mousses. It also goes very well with tarte tatin or mango desserts, as exotic fruits bring out the best in our Gewurztraminer.
How should Gewurztraminer be served?
Serve Gewurztraminer at a temperature between 44°F and 46°F. Two hours in the refrigerator is sufficient. If the sweet wine is too warm, the alcohol will dominate and with noble, aged wines such as a Late Harvest or Sélection de Grain Nobles, you risk having a poor tasting experience. Conversely, if the wine is too cold, you will not be able to appreciate all of its aromas.
To serve, use a tulip-shaped white wine glass to allow the nose to express itself. An opened bottle of Gewurztraminer can be kept in the refrigerator for 2 to 5 days with the cork replaced. Sweet wines can be kept for longer.
Bestheim answers your questions about Gewurztraminer:
Should Gewurztraminer be stored in the refrigerator?
Chill it in the refrigerator for two hours before serving. Serve Gewurztraminer sweet wines at between 8 and 10°C. If the wine is too cold, you will lose the aromas. If it is too warm, the alcohol will dominate. Once opened, the wine can be kept for a few days, with the bottle recorked.
What is the difference between Riesling and Gewurztraminer?
Riesling is dry, lively, and mineral. Gewurztraminer is sweet, powerful, and aromatic. Two contrasting styles for two different uses.
Which wine is similar to Gewurztraminer?
In Alsace, our Pinot Gris shares the roundness of Gewurztraminer but with smoky notes and less aromatic intensity. Muscat d'Alsace is reminiscent of its fruity and floral side, but in a dry and more delicate version. However, neither achieves the aromatic power of Gewurztraminer and its unique signature.
