Tiefenbrunner Gewurztraminer 2010

Winery: Tiefenbrunner

Varietal: Gewurztraminer

The pink-purple grapes of the Gewurztraminer vines are renowned for being particularly difficult to grow, struggling in soils containing chalk and being extremely sensitive to fluctuating climatic conditions. Not only can they cannot survive frost, they also lose all of their interesting and unique flavors in too much heat. Despite this, wineries in their native central Europe, as well as elsewhere in the world continue to persevere with this varietal, and for very good reason. Few other grape varietals produce wines as aromatic or interestingly flavored as the Gewurztraminer, being packed full of beautiful perfumed notes reminiscent of lychees and rose water. Their natural sweetness comes through beautifully in the glass, and their bouquet is considered to be amongst the most pleasing and complex of any grape varietal.

Country: Italy

It isn't difficult to understand why Italy is famed not just for the quality of its wines, but also for the vast variety and range of characteristics found in the wines there. The terrain of the country varies wildly, from the lush rolling green hills and valley of Tuscany, to the sun drenched rocky coasts of Sicily, the mountainous and alpine regions of the north, and the marshy lowlands of the east. Italy really does have a little bit of everything. Combine this huge range of landscapes with an almost perfect climate for grape cultivation, and you have a country seemingly designed for viticultural excellence. The results speak for themselves, and it is clear to see that wine has become an inseparable part of Italian culture as a result of its abundance and brilliance. Each village, city and region has a local wine perfectly matched with the cuisine of the area, and not an evening passes without the vast majority of Italian families raising a glass of locally sourced wine with pride and pleasure.