Riesling or Gewurztraminer: Which to Choose for your Menu?

Riesling or Gewurztraminer for Tonight? We'll Help You Decide

Not always easy to choose between a dry and mineral white wine or an aromatic and generous white... Riesling and Gewurztraminer, two stars from Alsace (and elsewhere), each have their own distinct style — but also many commonalities.

Whether you're more into raclette, Thai curry, or ceviche, we'll guide you without overthinking to find the wine that will make your taste buds dance!

Riesling and Gewurztraminer: Cousins but Not Twins

Before deciding, let's talk about what they have in common. Riesling and Gewurztraminer are both essentials from Alsace... but not only! They're also found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, or even Northern Italy (Trentino-Alto Adige) and even in the New World (Riesling from Clare Valley in Australia is building a nice reputation).

Another common point: they both play on a wide range of styles, from straight dry to generous sweet. You'll see on some labels mentions like "Late Harvest" or "Selection of Noble Berries" – there, we're talking about concentrated aromas and sugar, perfect for those who love sweetness.

In short, these two grape varieties can adapt to all desires, from refreshing aperitifs to indulgent desserts.

Their Main Difference? Character!

Riesling, Terroir in a Glass

Riesling is a wine that breathes freshness and precision. It's often said to be a terroir grape, as it captures the personality of the soil where it grows. An Alsatian Riesling from limestone soil will be different from a German Riesling from the slopes of the Moselle, rich in blue and gray schists, or an Australian wine from the granitic soils of Eden Valley.

On the palate, you'll find notes of lemon, green apple, sometimes flint or white flowers. It's taut, chiseled, and wakes up your taste buds! We often think of it when we also mention Austrian Grüner Veltliner or Spanish Albariño for its lively and mineral side.

Gewurztraminer, the Exuberant One

Gewurztraminer is an aromatic grape variety. More demonstrative, it fills your nose with notes of rose, lychee, sweet spices, and sometimes candied fruits. We're clearly talking about a wine that likes to express itself.

As for cousins, we could mention Muscat or Viognier for their aromatic generosity. If you like strong scents of a flower garden or ripe mango, this is clearly your team.

Riesling or Gewurztraminer: Duo or Duel?

In fact, Riesling and Gewurztraminer are like yin and yang. Riesling brings freshness and tension, where Gewurztraminer offers amplitude and roundness. Together, they cover an infinity of food and wine pairings.

And speaking of marriage!

Golden Rules for Good Pairings

How to choose between these two white wines when it comes to dining? Here are some simple rules:

• Riesling: it's your ally for dishes that call for freshness and vivacity. Think seafood, slightly acidic dishes, or delicate fare.
• Gewurztraminer: it lends itself better to richer, spicy, or exotic dishes. Its aromatic side envelops sweet and savory dishes or those with character.

The tip: the fattier or spicier a dish, the more Gewurztraminer will be your friend. The more iodized or acidic a dish, the more Riesling will shine.

And on the Plate? Our Modern and Globe-Trotting Wine Pairings

• With sushi or ceviche: go for a dry Riesling for its freshness and cutting edge.
• With Thai curry or chicken tikka masala: Gewurztraminer is the star, its notes of lychee and spices will make a loving marriage with the spiciness.
• With a poke bowl or fish tacos: dry or slightly off-dry Riesling sits right there, perfect for iodized and acidic dishes.
• With a vegetarian burger or dishes based on butternut squash and sweet spices: Gewurztraminer works very well, especially if the dish is slightly sweet and savory.

What About Raclette?

Both grape varieties work to accompany raclette, but not in the same way!

• Team Riesling: if you're a fan of a rather classic raclette, with cold cuts and pickles, dry Riesling is your ally. Its acidity will cut through the fat of the cheese and refresh the whole.
• Team Gewurztraminer: if you prefer a more funky raclette, with stronger cheeses (like Munster or Livarot), or if you like to add small dried fruits and spices (turmeric, smoked paprika...), then Gewurztraminer is the way to go.

Verdict?

Finally, Riesling or Gewurztraminer, it's not a rivalry but a matter of context and taste. The best? Have both within reach and choose according to mood and menu!