Wines we can't say, but that won't break your budget

Chatuea Ste. Michelle (2007)
Chateau Ste. Michelle
Gewürztraminer
Columbia Valley, Washington

So I've been away for a bit - a week out sick and then another week spent in San Francisco. Thusly I've not had time to update my blog. So to make up for my drought of writing I'm going to review three great wines that you can pick up for the holidays - especially Thanksgiving.

The first is one of my favorite whites - Cheateau Ste. Michelle's Gewürztraminer (say: guh-VURTS-trah-MEE-ner). This wine is amazing with Chinese, Thai, or Indian food. I also think it would make a killer addition to any meal that you expect to use either heat or spice in. It's medium to full bodied, so will really stand up to some great foods too.

Appearance: Clear, medium intensity, gold wine with slight pétillance.

Nose: Youthful, clean aromas. Medium intensity with high notes of yellow apple, stone fruit (peach and mango), and lychee nut. Floral, tropical (pineapple, lemon) and soft ginger and spice deeper in the glass.

Palate: Dry to off dry sweetness, medium plus, crisp acidity like from a fresh-picked apple. More pineapple and stone fruit, and citrus with a medium long finish. Medium alcohol and body.

Try this tongue-twisting German varietal with a nicely seasoned pork or turkey dish. Or better yet pair it up with some spiced pumpkin pie. Get a wickedly festive recipe using Satan's blood here from Heather's Heat & Flavor.

Fruit-driven and fresh, this should be an absolute must at under $10 a bottle. Just as versatile as Riesling and a wine that I'm sure many of your holiday guests will challenge one another to pronounce. And I can't think of anything better than trying to speak German after a few glasses of wine.

Cheers!