Gewurztraminer Franz Haas 2020: an excellent South Tyrolean white wine
The 2020 Gewurztraminer Franz Haas is a warm and pulpy white wine that manages to go beyond the aromatic arrogance of this grape. This is thanks to the skill of a winemaker like Hass, who is one of South Tyrol’s most innovative winemakers.
Try it if you want a white wine with character, that is very pulpy and has structure to match spicy Indian or Thai cuisine. You will not be disappointed.
It’s not a very profound or innovative wine, but it deviates from the scent equation of roses plus spices plus pulp and dares to climb the Dolomites with a beautiful minerality.
How it is made
The vineyards are spread around Bolzano and planted in thick clayey soils, which Gewurztraminer prefers.
The elevation is 350 meters to allow for long and gradual maturation.
Following harvest, soft pressing, fermentation, and age in steel for around six months.
Organoleptic characteristics
The color is a mix of lemon cream and golden yellow. In the bouquet, we also find citrus, explosive, and highly spicy fruits with ginger, grapefruit, and nutmeg mixed in with a shower of rose petals, orchids, and a thousand other flowers.
There isn’t much to say about the nose: it’s perfect.
It’s unpleasant and arrogant, with a vanilla flavor that is very scented and enticing. Even if there is a wonderful mineral note to add airiness and tone down the tropical frenzy.
It’s juicy and full of citrus pulp on the palate, with a lot of flavors to give it push and vigor.
Because of a tight rhythm and a strong bitter vein, the structure is broad, with a certain fat and plump satisfaction, but it does not shy away from gustatory stratification.
Overall, it’s an aromatic white wine with a cheeky personality that’s neither boring nor monotonous.
Price
18 euros is a reasonable price.
Pairings
This South Tyrolean white wine has a rocky soul, a lot of alcohol, and a lot of structure, so don’t be afraid to pair it with white meats, grilled fish, or aged cheeses. It goes well with veal in tuna sauce, spaghetti with clams, pumpkin tortelli, Chicken Cacciatore, Vitello Tonnato, pasta alla carbonara, Pad Thai.