RENTON FOOD AND WINE: Fruity wine works best with this pork

Autumn has arrived and it is the perfect season for Spiced Rubbed Pork Loin. Pork loin is one of the leanest cuts of meat and pairs perfectly with white wines, especially Gewürztraminer (pronounced geh-vertz-tra-mihner). Pork loin needs a wine that is low in tannins and mild in flavor ao as to not overpower the flavor of the pork. If the pork is made with fruit, then a soft and fruity wine works best.

By Allison and Scott Helfen • October 14, 2008 2:55 pm
Allison and Scott Helfen The Wine Alley
Allison and Scott Helfen The Wine Alley

Autumn has arrived and it is the perfect season for Spiced Rubbed Pork Loin. Pork loin is one of the leanest cuts of meat and pairs perfectly with white wines, especially Gewürztraminer (pronounced geh-vertz-tra-mihner). Pork loin needs a wine that is low in tannins and mild in flavor ao as to not overpower the flavor of the pork. If the pork is made with fruit, then a soft and fruity wine works best.

Gewürztraminer typically has low acidity, is aromatic and fruity and can be minerally (flavors of wet stone) and range in flavor from very sweet to completely dry. Gewürztraminers from Germany and the U.S. tend to be off-dry to sweet and those from France, especially Alsace, are typically dry. When purchasing this wine, be sure to ask the wine shop if it is sweet or dry to make sure you get the style of wine you want.

Three off-dry to dry Gewürztraminers that would work very well with this recipe are:

Montinore Estate Gewürztraminer 2006 $11.99 (Oregon)

Straw gold color introduces an intense aroma of rose petal, lychee and grapefruit with hints of orange rind. On the palate it bursts with rose and lychee flavors evolving to rich pink grapefruit and mandarin orange. The finish is dry, leaving the impression of fresh citrus and rose petals.

Sleight of Hand Gewürztraminer 2006 $17.99 (Washington)

Pale straw in color and highly aromatic, this classic dry Gewürztraminer has aromas and flavors of crisp green apples, rose petals and lychee-nut and is the perfect pairing with spicy Asian foods.

Navarro Anderson Valley Gewürztraminer 2006 $24.99 (California)

A vibrant, zesty wine, showing aromas of fresh flowers, lychee and grapefruit, with crisp yet succulent white peach and vanilla cream flavors that finish with an appropriately oily texture.

The best temperature to drink semi-dry to dry Gewürztraminer is about 50˚ F. If the wine is too cold, the aromatic flavors that are typical of Gewürztraminer will not come out.

All of the wines mentioned can be purchased at The Wine Alley, located in the Fairwood area of Renton. Specializing in wine consultation, their personal service staff will help you with all of your menu pairing needs. 14276 S.E. 176th St., Renton, WA 98058. 425-271-4501. W: www.thewinealley.com