All too often, unfamiliarity with a particular wine variety leaves the consumer unaware of what is available in the marketplace and possibly missing a great treat. There are many different varieties of wine in the marketplace and there may be an unknown favorite right before your eyes. In future columns we will periodically take a look at many of the varieties of wine available in this area.

We will start with gewürztraminer. The proper pronouncing of the name of the grape is geh wurst tram meener which translates from the German gewurz meaning spicy and traminer is the name of the grape variety. Gewürztraminer is probably the most fragrant of all the classical wines. Aromas of spice and summer flowers fill the room when the wine bottle is opened giving the impression of a sweet wine. Not always so; some are sweet and some are not, but all are a pleasure to drink. 

 Chateau Ste Michelle 2008 Gewurztraminer ($9).  This delightful transplant from the hills of Alsace to the Pacific breezes of Washington State will impress you with its beautiful floral aroma and its rich, almost sensuous fruit flavor. The wine radiates an extended range of floral scents including orange blossom, honeysuckle, and roses. The flavor is crisp, clean and spicy with an equally long and fruity finish and is the perfect accompaniment for spicy or Asiatic foods.

 Fetzer Gewurztraminer 2008 ($8.99). Of all of the “off the shelf” sweet wines, we must admit that the Fetzer Gewurztraminer is Sheila’s absolute favorite. This is a wine that brings out all of the potential and possibilities of a variety that is famed and presents them in a dignified and enjoyable fashion. The aroma showcases dried apricots, peaches, rose petals, wild flowers and honey as its main elements. On the palate, there are the flavors of green apple, apricot and mango. To augment and enhance these flavors, there is a crisp acidity and the sensation of spice. If you would like to sample this wine and have any trouble with the name gewürztraminer, just take this column to your favorite wine store and make like Tarzan: point to it, grunt and shake your head yes. Your little sojourn into the world of acting will be well rewarded beyond your wildest dreams.

 Alexander Valley Vineyards 2009 Gewurz ($9). The Alexander Valley Vineyards 2009 Gewurz is a bright, fruity, white wine that has the expansive floral aroma, which grows in intensity as the wine sits in the glass. The flavor stresses big, juicy apricots and ripe pears. While the wine is considered off-dry (that means it is slightly on the sweet side,) it is not sugar syrup sweet but rather garners its sweetness directly from the fruit. This is an exciting and enjoyable wine that will add a touch of elegance to any dinner table.

 Chateau St Jean Sonoma County Gewurztraminer ($13.99). This has to be among the most highly perfumed domestic gewurztraminer that we have yet to experience. The floral aroma of this wine is, to say the least, huge. One of the astonishing facts about this wine is that the floral aromas carry right on to the flavor and then on to the finish. While this wine is not totally dry, the slight sweetness adds to the fruit flavor and permits this wine to accompany anything.

 Covey Run Columbia Valley Gewurztraminer ($18). It appears that the winemakers in Washington State have taken a big liking to the gewurztraminer grape. Covey Run Columbia Valley Gewurztraminer has preserved the traditional style of this wine while permitting just the slightest bit of sweetness enhancing the aroma and flavor. The aroma is a glorious floral assault on the senses. The scents of honey, spring flowers and pear abound and reach out from the glass to invite the first sip. That first sip suggests the flavor of melons and sweet tropical fruits with apricots and honey in the background. The fun with a gewurztraminer is trying it with various foods. We do and have never been disappointed.