Pairing Ideas of Gewurztraminer Wine

Searching for a wine that embodies both elegance and complexity? Gewürztraminer stands out as a true gem. With its distinctive floral bouquet, luscious fruitiness, and subtle spiciness, Gewürztraminer presents an enchanting challenge to both budding enthusiasts and seasoned connoisseurs alike: pairing it with food. With so many unique characteristics, our 2018 Ramos Vineyard Gewürztraminer can elevate every dining experience to a symphony of flavors, but you may be struggling to come up with pairing ideas of Gewürztraminer wine with the perfect dishes. Learn how to unlock a world of exquisite and harmonious tastes with these five Gewürztraminer wine pairing ideas. 

Pairing Idea #1 - Charcuterie Boards

Almost every wine blog offers the perfect charcuterie and wine pairings, and there’s a reason for that. The pairing of wine and cheese is almost classic, and when you add today’s elevated charcuterie boards to that idea, you have the ideal option. What should you include on your charcuterie board if you’ll be serving our 2018 Ramos Vineyard Gewürztraminer? You’ll want to include some mild cow’s milk cheeses instead of the saltier varieties. Muenster and Gruyere are a good choice, and you could even go with a Swiss cheese if you’d like. Most fruits you might include on a charcuterie board would work well, as would prosciutto and mortadella. 

Pairing Idea #2 - Curry

Whether you’re looking for a spicy Thai curry or a rich Indian curry, this is the right choice. A Thai curry that combines creamy coconut milk, hot chilis, and fragrant Thai spices works really well with Gewürztraminer Similarly, a dry Gewürztraminer is ideal when combined with the cumin, turmeric, and coriander that plays so heavily in Indian curries and foods. 

Pairing Idea #3 - Egg Based Dishes

While many think of traditional pairing ideas of Gewürztraminer wines as dinner foods only, the reality is that if you’re doing an egg-based dish for an upcoming brunch, Gewürztraminer is truly the perfect choice. Silky and rich, the aromatic experience from a Gewürztraminer can complement the subtle flavors of eggs, enhancing the overall sensory experience of the dish. More than that, though, the slight sweetness and spiciness in Gewürztraminer can provide a pleasant contrast to the mild and creamy nature of eggs.

Pairing Idea #4 - Tangine

If you’ve never had a Moroccan tagine, there’s never been a better time to try one, and a bottle of Gewürztraminer is the ideal complement. A tagine typically includes roasted meat and dried fruits along with spices like cumin, ginger, and turmeric, all of which are the ideal complement for a Gewürztraminer. The aromatic qualities of the wine tend to mirror the complex layers of flavors found in tagine dishes, which helps to enhance the experience of both. 

Pairing Idea #5 - Fruit and Sweet Vegetables

Our 2018 Ramos Vineyard Gewürztraminer means flavors like passion fruit, melon, and tangerine the moment you open the bottle, and that makes fruit salads, sauces, and sweet roasted vegetables an ideal choice to go with this wine. Whether you’re adding a light Waldorf salad to the menu or you’ve topped grilled chicken with a tropical fruit chutney, Gewürztraminer will pair quite well. Similarly, pairing it with the sweetness that comes from roasted bell peppers, squashes, and carrots means a chance to taste the contrast between the acidity of the  Gewürztraminer and the sweetness of the vegetables and fruits. It also enhances the sensory experience of the dish thanks to its full-bodied nature. 

Understanding the Nature of the Wine is the Perfect Way to Find the Right Gewürztraminer Wine Pairing Ideas

One challenge for many who are trying to pair Gewürztraminer with dishes is that this choice is sometimes overlooked among connoisseurs. While it’s slowly gaining in popularity, it has a long history. It was initially a relatively widespread German wine in South Tyrol around the 11th century but was overlooked a bit as the wine trade spread across the world. Today, the best-known varieties hail from the Alsace region in France, but the cooler wine regions in the United States like Washington and Oregon are quickly catching up, producing beautiful varieties with much to offer. 

Gewürztraminer has an incredibly distinct aroma. Our Gewürztraminer is reminiscent of cloves, roses, and lychee. The grape itself ripens quite early on the vine and yields just a bit. When you take a sip, you’ll notice the taste lingers on your tongue for a bit, and that can make it a pleasurable experience, unlike many others in the wine world. 

Like many other white wines, Gewürztraminer is best enjoyed while it’s still young, which makes our 2018 option perfect for your wine cellar. 

Ready to Give It a Try?

Whether you go with our pairing ideas of Gewürztraminer wine or this post gives you a few ideas you hadn’t considered, the best option is to order a couple of bottles of our 2018 Ramos Vineyard Gewürztraminer and experience this unique option at your own table.

What Wine Makes the Best Back to School Gift for Teachers?

The Thoughtful Gesture of Wine

Before we dive into the world of wine selection, let's talk about why wine can be an excellent gift choice for teachers. Teaching is a demanding profession that often involves long hours and a significant amount of stress. A well-chosen bottle of wine can provide teachers with a moment of relaxation and indulgence. It's a way to say, "Thank you for your hard work, and here's to a successful school year!"

Exploring the Pacific Rim & Co. Collection

If you're new to the world of wine and unsure where to start, consider exploring the offerings from Pacific Rim & Co., a renowned wine company known for its commitment to producing high-quality wines that capture the essence of the Pacific Northwest region. Their dedication to sustainable and environmentally friendly winemaking practices sets them apart.

Pacific Rim & Co. offers a range of wines that can make delightful back-to-school gifts for teachers. Let's take a look at a few options:

1. Riesling: A Teacher's Delight

   • Riesling is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods and occasions, making it an excellent choice for a gift. Pacific Rim & Co.'s Riesling, with its crisp acidity and notes of citrus and stone fruit, can be a refreshing and delightful choice.

2. Chenin Blanc: A Unique Selection

   • Chenin Blanc is a lesser-known wine that deserves more attention. Chenin Blanc offers a unique flavor profile with hints of apple, pear, and honey.

3. Pinot Noir: A Classic Option

   • For teachers who prefer red wine, Rainstorm Pinot Noir is an excellent choice.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

One of the standout features of Pacific Rim & Co. is their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly winemaking practices.

Making Your Back-to-School Gift Special

Now that you have some wine options in mind, consider how to present your gift to make it even more special.

Win a Heart with a Bottle of Wine

As you prepare for the back-to-school season, don't forget to express your gratitude to the teachers who play a vital role in shaping your child's future. A carefully selected bottle of wine from Pacific Rim & Co. can be a thoughtful and enjoyable gift. Make this back-to-school season special by gifting a bottle of wine that says, "Thank you for your dedication and hard work." To explore Pacific Rim & Co.'s wine collection further and find the perfect gift, click here. Cheers to a successful school year!

5 Wine Cocktails to Try Before Summer Is Over

Summer is fading fast, and while the sun is still casting its golden glow all around you, promising warm adventures well into the night, trying the best wine cocktails to help refresh you and capture the essence of summer is absolutely a must. Which wine cocktails for summer are perfect for your next backyard party or evening by the lake? Take a look at these 5 great options. 

#1 - Rosemary, Lemon, and Ginger White Wine Spritzer

Searching for the perfect treat to help you cool off as the sun warms almost everything around you? This is refreshing, light, and perfect for the end of summer. A combination that includes your favorite Pacific Rim white wine like one of our amazing Rieslings or our Gewurztraminer as well as soda water, a bit of rosemary, lemon, and ginger, you’ll find a tangy, spicy combination that’s the perfect way to beat the summer’s heat. To get started, make a simple syrup with ¼ cup of sugar and water, a teaspoon of freshly chopped rosemary, and two teaspoons of freshly grated ginger. Heat them until the sugar melts, then add some ice to your glass, a cup of white wine, a few teaspoons of your simple syrup (or as much as you believe enhances the wine), and a squeeze of lemon. Top the whole thing with club soda, and you have a delicious drink that will help you stay cool. 

#2 - Rosé Lemonade

Remember how refreshing lemonade was during your childhood summers? Take that feeling to the next level with this option. You simply blend our 2021 Rainstorm Pinot Noir Rosé with your favorite lemonade and club soda. It’s the ideal poolside drink, and it really is that easy. Use one part Rosé, one part lemonade, and ¼ part club soda. Add a squeeze of lemon to the top, and you’re ready to sip and enjoy the end of summer. 

#3 - White Wine Margarita

There’s something incredibly refreshing about a margarita on a hot day and combining that idea with a great white wine makes a drink that is nothing short of magic. Start with our 2021 Rainstorm Pinot Gris. In a large pitcher, you’ll want to combine the bottle with a 12-ounce can of limeade concentrate, two cups of orange juice, and a half cup of tequila. You’ll want to add 24 ounces of water to that, then stir to combine. Pour it into your favorite margarita glass and serve!

#4 - Wine Slushies

Few things are as amazing as a slushie while you’re trying to beat the heat of a day, but when you combine the perfect glass of wine with a slushie, you have a treat that’s almost unforgettable. This is easily one of the best wine cocktails for summer you’ll find. It begins with any of our amazing Rieslings. Whether you choose our 2022 Sweet Riesling, our 2018 Vin de Glacière Riesling, or something else, you’ll want to choose your favorite to begin with. Pour it into your blender, and add a pound of frozen berries. Blend together, then pour half of the mixture out and set aside. Add one cup of ice cubes to the blender to create the slushie mixture. Pour those into chilled wine glasses. Blend the remaining portion with ice cubes, and fill the remaining chilled glasses. Serve to your entire dinner party, and you’ll feel the relief from the heat almost immediately!

#5 - Elderberry Sangria with Strawberries

Searching for the ideal addition to your picnic? This is ideal, and it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It begins with our 2021 Rainstorm Pinot Gris. Pour it into a pitcher, and add one lime that is thinly sliced. Add a cup of thinly sliced strawberries, a cup of elderberry liqueur, and stir the mixture well. Add ice, and top the entire thing off with a bit of soda water. Pour into your glasses, then garnish with mint sprigs and edible flowers like pansies and roses. It’s light, fizzy, beautiful, and perfectly refreshing. 

These Are The Best Wine Cocktails - Which Is Right for You?

Which one of these is the perfect way to end your summer? Don’t worry about trying to decide. Instead, try them all before the season is gone for another year. Let us help with the perfect wine!

5 Best Wines to Enjoy This Summer

The warmth. The sweet summer smells. The time spent outside with friends and family. There’s much to look forward to in summer, and finding the right wines to help complement this season is nothing short of a must. What are the best wines to enjoy this summer? What makes a wine among the best summer wines at all? There’s much to consider as you select the right bottle for an evening outside, an impromptu dinner party, or a summer picnic in the park. 

What To Look for In a Summer Wine

What do you think of when you think of the season itself? If you’re like most people, the words light and refreshing probably come to mind, and that’s true for summer wines, too! The best summer wines really manage to bottle light and refreshing in one delicious package. 

In the cooler temperatures of the fall or in the depth of winter, you typically look for a full-bodied, heavy wine. When summer comes, though, you want something quite the opposite of that, so you’ll want to search for crisp, stimulating tastes. 

How exactly does all of that translate when you’re shopping for the best wines to enjoy this summer?

Look for wines with a higher acidity level. This can truly refresh your palate thanks to the zesty feel that creates in your mouth. 

Search for options that have a light to medium body. These tend to be delicate and subtle, so they’re the perfect option for warm summer afternoons and evenings because they’re so easy to drink. 

Consider those that have lower alcohol content. Great summer wines tend to have an alcohol content that runs between 11 and 13%. That tends to make them easier to drink in the heat of summer. 

Find a wine that features summer fruits. Those that include notes of citrus fruits, tropical scents, or berries help enhance the experience of summer wine and truly add to the refreshing characteristics they tend to have. 

Add wines that pair well with your favorite summer meals. Summer cuisine often includes dishes with vibrant flavors and lighter ingredients. Whether it's seafood, salads, or grilled meats and vegetables, you’ll want to select options that can complement and elevate the dishes on your table.

Choose wines that are best served cold. Summer wines are meant to be refreshing! That’s only going to happen during this season if they’re chilled, so choose those that need to be refrigerated before serving. Most experts will tell you to select an option that can be served at 43 to 55 degrees. It will help enhance the subtle tasting notes as well as improve the overall experience. 

The Best Wines to Enjoy This Summer

What bottles should grace your wine rack as you prepare for the summer? Try one or all of these five options. 

2021 Rainstorm Pinot Noir Rosé: 

This Pinot Noir Rosé really is an ideal choice for your summer table. It offers a bright acidity, which provides a zesty and refreshing sensation the moment you taste it. Perfect for those hot summer days, you’ll find it pairs well with a number of summer dishes like salads, seafood, grilled vegetables, lighter meats, and various picnic fare. With each glass, you’ll notice the scents of summer including strawberries and rose petals. Crisp and elegant, it’s the perfect choice. 

2018 Ramos Vineyard Gewurztraminer: 

If you’re searching for something unique, this is a great choice. Intensely aromatic, you’ll smell and taste a variety of bright summer flavors here including passion fruit, melon, and tangerine. Offering slightly more body than the Pinot Noir Rosé, this Gewurztraminer has a rich mouthfeel, which makes it perfect as an evening glass after the day is done or with a meal. 

Its interesting flavor profile makes it a great companion for a variety of cuisines, particularly those with aromatic spices and bold flavors, like Thai, Indian, or Middle Eastern dishes. It can also pair well with grilled meats, poultry, and fruit-based desserts.

2021 Sweet Riesling: 

If you’re looking for a touch of sweetness, you’ll find this option to be a delightful and refreshing experience during the summer. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, and it features two key summer flavors - pineapple and white peach. The combination of those two fruity flavors and balanced acidity creates a lively and refreshing taste profile, making sweet Riesling a great choice for hot summer days.

It also pairs exceptionally well with a wide range of foods, making it a versatile wine for summer dining. It can complement spicy cuisines, such as Thai or Indian dishes, as well as light salads, seafood, and grilled meats. Like other white wines, sweet Riesling is best served chilled, enhancing its refreshing qualities.

2021 Rainstorm Pinot Gris: 

Light on the palate, this is one you’ll certainly find refreshing no matter how high the temperature gets. With bright acidity, you’ll find this to be an approachable, easy-going wine, perfect for summer get-togethers. The bouquet of crisp pear, melon, and honey-blossom aromas is the ideal complement for various cuisines, light salads, seafood, grilled vegetables, and lighter meats, making it a versatile wine for summer dining. Whether you're having a picnic, barbecue, or beach outing, Pinot Gris is a crowd-pleasing wine that suits the relaxed and social atmosphere of summer gatherings.

2020 Rainstorm Pinot Noir: 

Light-bodied reds like this Pinot Noir are ideal when you’re having friends over for a grill party. With a bouquet of strawberry, rosehip, and cranberry, it complements summer the moment you open the bottle. It pairs well with a wide variety of summer dishes, including grilled chicken, pork, or salmon, as well as various salads and vegetarian options.

Summer really is the season for a perfect bottle of wine, and if you’re looking for the best wines to enjoy this summer, look no further than our complete catalog. Take a look at the many varieties we have available for order now.

Picking the Perfect Wine for a Picnic

Busy week? You’re not alone. While summer helps slow things down for many people, some weeks just feel a little overwhelming, and a weekend picnic, accompanied by a wine for a picnic, is the single best way to unwind.

A chance to breathe the fresh air, bond with someone special, and take a moment to reflect, there are few things that create that quintessential summer feeling the way a picnic can. Convinced? Don’t forget the wine! 

What makes the perfect wine for a summer picnic? This quick guide will have you ready to place your order in no time.

Choosing the Right Wine for a Picnic

If you’re looking for the perfect wine for a picnic, there are a few ways you can go wrong. The first is to choose a full-bodied, heavy wine that has a high alcohol content. Picnics are the perfect time for a refreshing, light wine that pairs well with picnic foods. You want a choice that travels well, reflects the gentle season, and offers a crisp, cool flavor. 

The second way you can go terribly wrong is to choose a wine that doesn’t travel well. After all, you’re headed out to your favorite picnic spot! You can’t get there without a bit of walking, so an older, fragile vintage isn’t the right choice for this occasion. Neither is a sparkling wine that might accidentally get shaken in the picnic basket. 

Now that you know what you shouldn’t buy, you’re probably left wondering exactly what you should choose. In most cases you want something that is crisp and refreshing, has a low alcohol content, and offers a fruity flavor profile. 

Five Wine Choices For Your Next Picnic

Here are a few great options you can add to your cart now. 

2021 Rainstorm Pinot Gris: Your picnic demands a wine with a great body, and this is one that won’t lead you astray. Featuring delicious summer stone fruit flavors that are balanced with surprisingly fresh acidity, you’ll get a fruit-forward fresh zing with every sip. It’s perfect for a hot afternoon thanks to its refreshingly dry mouth feel.

2021 Dry Riesling: If you’re looking for a cooling drink in the heat of the day during your picnic, this is exactly what you’ll want. With a light aroma bouquet that includes fresh jasmine, it’s the perfect complement to enjoying your favorite picnic spot. The flavor notes here include citrus and white peach, so it pairs well with more traditional picnic dishes. 

2021 Rainstorm Pinot Noir Rosé: Summer fruits are the perfect way to cool down and enjoy the flavors of the season, and this choice looks and feels like summer. The strawberry and pomegranate bouquet is the perfect aromatic touch for your picnic, and it’s perfect if you just want wine or you’re looking for the perfect picnic pairing. 

2021 Rainstorm Pinot Noir: picnics demand a light-bodied, full-flavored, fruity choice, and you’ll find it in this option. With complex flavor notes that include red berries, bright cherry, and pomegranate, it matches a wide range of foods. That makes it ideal if you’re doing a charcuterie with lots of different cheeses and meats. The low alcohol level also makes it the perfect wine for a picnic. 

2021 Sweet Riesling: Aromatic and vibrant, this sweet riesling encapsulates the season of summer itself, making it perfect for your picnic basket. With juicy fruit aromas like pear and orange blossom, it smells amazing as soon as it hits your glass. The flavor notes here only further enhance the summery feel of this wine, as the pineapple and white peach notes offer a sweet brightness you’ll certainly want at your picnic. The low alcohol level is also perfect for the summer heat.

Ready to choose your perfect summer picnic wine? Browse our complete selection now.