The Fetzer Gewürztraminer is on the one hand thick and sweet enough to function as a dessert wine, but on the other hand it's also strong enough to stand up to foods and work as a regular dinner wine. There aren't many varietals that can pull off this balancing act, but the Gewürztraminer is one of them and Fetzer has done a nice job making this wine from it.
Fetzer Gewürztraminer Tasting Notes & Review
Color & Clarity
The Fetzer Gewürztraminer is a nice golden yellow with a medium color depth and a clear center.
Nose
The aromas of the Fetzer Gewürztraminer are moderate in intensity and consist of fruit and spicy. The best description is probably warm summer apple pie with cinnamon. There may be a hint of orange and/or lemon as well.
Palate
The Fetzer Gewürztraminer is a very sweet wine and even a bit thick. It comes off as a wine that would be appropriate as an aperitif or even a desert wine. The flavors are much like the aromas: sweet fruit with a bit of spice, primarily apple and arguably close to apple pie.
Food Pairing
Pairing Fetzer Gewürztraminer with Cheeses
- Muenster: The Fetzer Gewürztraminer becomes tarter and more intense when paired with Muenster cheese and I'd recommend having this.
- Extra Aged Gouda: This is only a fair pairing.
- Aged Gouda: When paired with Gouda that hasn't been aged as long, the Fetzer Gewürztraminer becomes smoother and tastier.
- Smoked Gouda: When paired with smoked Gouda, the Fetzer Gewürztraminer is only fair and shows little difference — except perhaps with a bit of a leather edge.
- Aged Parmesan: The Fetzer Gewürztraminer is very good when paired with aged Parmesan, becoming a bit tarter and sweeter at the same time.
- Aged Romano: This is a fair pairing, with the Fetzer Gewürztraminer being a little more mild.
Pairing Fetzer Gewürztraminer with Main Dishes
- Chicken Curry: The interaction between Chicken Curry and Fetzer Gewürztraminer is interesting and I'd enjoy having this combination again.
- Mongolian Beef: When paired with Mongolian Beef the Fetzer Gewürztraminer becomes a bit tingly and enjoyable.
- Garlic Chicken: The sweetness of the Fetzer Gewürztraminer is almost completely wiped out by the Garlic Chicken, brining forth more complex flavors. This is not a combination you should miss.
- General Tso's Chicken: The Fetzer Gewürztraminer is less sweet with General Tso's Chicken, making this a good pairing.
- Sushi: This is a fair pairing.
Bottom Line
Because of its sweetness the Fetzer Gewürztraminer won't be for everyone and it definitely doesn't work with every situation. If you like sweeter wines, though, I'd recommend trying the Fetzer Gewürztraminer with aged cheeses (thought not too old) and sweeter main dishes, particularly those with any sort of fruit element.
