Cave de Turckheim Grand Cru Brand Gewurztraminer 2016  £17.65

Boutinot Cave de Turckheim Grand Cru Brand Gewurztraminer 

A complex mix of rocks lying on a substrate of granite, quartz, feldspar and mica provides a sandy and coarsely textured soil which imparts unique characters and style to the wine and helps to keep yields low. The Grand Cru of Brand takes its name from the German word for ‘fire’. Due to its southerly aspect, this vineyard benefits from remarkably high levels of sunshine, resulting in grapes with high levels of ripeness and richness. Winemaker Michel Lihrmann takes great care: hand harvesting, pneumatic pressing, temperature controlled fermentation, no finings and minimal filtration all help to preserve the naturally aromatic and fruity character of his wines.

A nose of rich lychee, rose petal and warm spice balanced by a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Rich, powerful and complex fruit with hints of pink grapefruit marmalde, yet finely structured and balanced. This deliciously exotic white retains a beautiful freshness with some interesting pithiness on the finish.

The richness and honeyed, exotic fruit flavours are fabulous with a rich paté or foie gras, but give this a try with your stinkiest soft cheese (Munster or Stinking Bishop) and, perhaps surprisingly, with a tarte tatin.