(NW) served this to me "blind" which is great way to improve your wine tasting skills as well as embarrass yourself. I took one whiff of this big peach/apricot aromatic wine and blurted confidently--"It's a Gewurztraminer and NOT domestic; possibly Alsatian or German." (NW) sat stoically not giving any hints of whether I was hot or cold. But then, equivocating, I said, "But it could also be a Riesling from the same countries.
Palate--tasting it I said, "Okay, it doesn't quite have the signature Gewurztraminer spiciness so it must be a Riesling." (My teachers throughout school always told me to stick with my first impression because invariably I would often change a right answer to a wrong answer.)
(NW) unveiled the bottle and it was in fact a Gewurztraminer--NOT--domestic but was from the Alto Adige of Italy! I didn't even know they grew Gewurz. in Italy... This was a gem.
Off dry, nearly floral, with light stone fruit nuances, a solid acidic back bone and a flowery, fruity finish. I believe (NW) found this on sale for $15 and when you know your grapes, and your regionjs, it pays to experiment now and again. This won't be the last Italian Gewurz. I have so raise a glass!
Good job! :)
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