Top 10 Most Popular European Wine Varieties

Pinot Gris (Alsace)

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Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio and Grauburgunder, is a white grape variety whose origins are believed to be in Burgundy, but the grape has shown amazing potential in Alsace—the region with which it is mostly associated nowadays.

In Alsace, Pinot Gris is considered a noble grape. In the past, it was mistakenly related with Hungarian Tokaj, and it was often called Tokaj d'Alsace. The wines made from Pinot Gris considerably differ in character than those found in other wine-growing regions.

They are dense and concentrated, with typical notes of white flowers, honey, ginger, apricot, lemons, spices, and dry fruit. The wines are typically dry with some off-dry varieties. They are usually full-bodied and pair well with poultry, feathered game, and pork.

SERVE WITH

Lobster Thermidor  Blanquette de veau  Egg foo young  Pâté  Miso ramen  Pâté en croûte  Foie gras  Quiche Lorraine  Tarte flambée  Turon  Shio ramen  Chicken Tajine  Salsiccia

PAIR WITH

Fourme de Montbrison  Haystack Peak  Lil' Moo  Seastack  Edelpilz  Ticklemore  Grey Owl  Mont Vully  Lappi  Mimolette  Prosciutto Cotto

Gewurztraminer (Alsace)

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Gewurztraminer is a pink-skinned grape that produces some of the most aromatic and complex white wines in the world. The exact origin of Gewurztraminer is hard to trace, but the grape is related to Traminer family that is cultivated across Europe, and although Gewurztraminer has shown success in Germany, Austria, Australia, Washington and California, the French Alsace region remains its foreground.

Alsace produces varietals that are rich and typically deeply colored, often low in acidity and high in alcohol with exotic aromas of lychee and rose petals. Their character and the body heavily depends on the terroir and ripeness of the grapes, and they may range from dry to off-dry and sweet styles.

Dry Gewurztraminer from Alsace is a perfect match to cheese and savory, preferably spicy or creamy dishes, while sweeter styles may match fruit or spiced desserts.

SERVE WITH

Quiche Lorraine  Pho  Peking Duck  Ceviche  Chile relleno  Choucroute garnie  Tarte au maroilles  Asparagi al Gorgonzola  Chicken Tajine  Bicol Express  Pinangat

PAIR WITH

Yorkshire Wensleydale  Beacon Fell Traditional Lancashire Cheese  Livarot  Queso de La Serena  Maroilles  Kefalograviera  Oltermanni  Milleens  Ardrahan  Monterey Jack  Grayson  Waterloo  Dry Jack  Puzzone di Moena  Munster  Neufchâtel  Robiola di Roccaverano  Mozzarella  Durrus  Emmentaler  Limburger  Cashel Blue  Schabziger  Brunost  Appenzeller  Sunlight  Gubbeen  Monte Enebro  Burwash Rose  Wilde Weide  Haystack Peak  Maasdam