Winebeat NW – Washington’s Dowsett Family Gewürztraminer 2010 vintage

Have You Ever Really, Really, Really, Really, Loved a Gewürztraminer?

Chances are, you haven’t. I’m talking about a wine that most people haven’t heard of, yet alone tried pronouncing! It’s a truth that most Gewurtztraminers taste sugary(off-dry), however, they actually can run the gamut from very dry to very sweet. Most folks stop after one overly cloying experience, and I beg you… don’t 86 the variety until you’ve tried a dry style, because I guarantee it will change your perception.

I’d like to introduce you to Dowsett Family Gewürztraminer. Arguably the best Gewürztraminer produced in the state of Washington, the 2010 is a great vintage. Floral on the nose and tons of acid to spare, it rocks that perfect balance with just a smidge of residual sugar. There’s also a pleasant minerality, with lingering aromas of lychee and pear. This wine is going to pair divinely with just about anything (Asian cuisine is a traditional pairing), but in my opinion, a most delightful aperitif. There’s a tiny bit of sparkle, and I guarantee you’ll want to pass this around to “oohs and aahs” at your next holiday soiree! Chris Dowsett is a bit of a WA Gewürztraminer legend, as he’s been making a Celilo Vineyard Gewurz since 2003. The grapes are 100% from the Celilo Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge, and you can taste his years of experience in your glass.

You just might find yourself falling head over heels for a Washington Gewurz!