Gewurztraminer

Intensely aromatic — lychee, rose petal, ginger and grapefruit. It's full-bodied for a white with low acidity and an almost oily texture, which makes it unmistakable in a blind tasting.

Both styles exist. Alsace versions are typically dry despite smelling sweet — the perfume fools people. German and late-harvest bottlings run off-dry to genuinely sweet.

Guh-VOORTS-trah-mee-ner. The name means 'spiced Traminer' in German, which describes the aroma well.

It's the classic match for spicy Asian food — Thai curries, Indian dishes, Szechuan. Also excellent with smoked meats and pungent washed-rind cheeses like Muenster.