INSIDER'S PICK: 2021 UNION SACRE GEWURZTRAMINER LOS OSITOS VINEYARD ARROYO SECCO $25.99

When people see a Gewurztraminer, their default expectation is that it will be a sweeter wine. Generally that isn't a bad bet: it's definitely easier to take advantage of the grape's natural aromas by making a sweeter wine, and even when it IS done drier the perfume does everything it can to convince your palate that sweetness is in there (or 'perceived sweetness). The Alsatians probably do the most consistently dry Gewurztraminer, but even there it's hard to avoid sweetness even if they wanted to in some vintages. We say this because this wine for the many years we have carried it has been the most consistently dry Gewurztraminer we get our hands on, easily one of the best domestic versions to boot. Aromas are perfumed sunshine, lime and tropical fruits and heady ginger, intense but holding back on the sugary side. The palate is full but immediately shows off the acidity and fresh zesty brightness, as well as a lingering skin tannin aspect that adds to the dryness. Past versions of this wine have had a light orange or pink color from the slight pigment in the Gewuztraminer skins, and this version still sees a lot of skin time but stops just short of the color change. Delicious and light on its feet to go with a broad spectrum of exotically spiced foods, and great with a chill for warmer weather. 

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