The McCarty Metro - Mixology with Chrissy

What's On Your Mind?

Dear Chrissy,
My Gewürztraminer is cloudy. Is that OK?
-Jerry McCarty

I just had a nice bottle from New Zealand that someone introduced me to from a recent trip. This wine is somewhat aggressive, which is always a character I prefer in gewürztraminer, and tasting nutty…dominated by cashew…with a mélange of curry and coriander and a long, very dry, and solid finish. With each new bottle in each new region, the potential for world-class gewürztraminer in New Zealand becomes clearer; it is perhaps the only place other than Alsace which is capable of doing something truly worthwhile with this grape.

A little look into the process of winemaking sees that grapes are harvested as soon as the grapes are ripe. The most common measure is the amount of sugar. 98% of grapes are picked by hand. The harvest is called the vintage. At the winery, the crusher removes the stems. The crushed grapes and their juice are called ‘must’. The length of contact between the juice and skin influences the color and taste. The fermentation converts the sugar into alcohol. Some yeast grows naturally on the grape skin. In Europe most winemakers allow this yeast to ferment. In the USA most add yeast. The fermentation turns the glucose and fructose (sugars) into ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide (released as bubbles) Fermentation also releases heat. Wineries refrigerate the wine to keep the temperature constant. (White wine at 59F for 12-18 days and Red at 86F for 4-6 days) Most reds go through a second (malolactic fermentation) which lowers the acid content by converting malic acid into lactic acid. The wine is cloudy after fermentation. The wine is filtered, allowed to settle or separated by a centrifuge. It may be further clarified or ‘fined’ Ageing is in stainless steel tanks for 1 week to 2 months (White) or oak or redwood barrels for up to 2 years (Red).

In direct answer to your question if it's alright for your gewürztraminer to be cloudy, I would defer to a licensed urologist.

Great April Fools Joke

Bring the kids in for a refreshing drink. But instead of a cool drink, serve April Fool's Day drinks. The night before, prepare several packages of Jello according to the directions. Pour it into small clear glasses and insert a straw into each one. As the jello thickens up, it will hold the straw in place, but it will look like a cup of juice. When students try to drink it they will all be fooled!

April Fool (Adult Drink)

1 1/4 oz. apple schnapps
2 oz. cranberry juice
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
1 scoop crushed ice

Blend all ingredients. Pour into a margarita glass. Garnish with fresh mint.

Do You Have A Question For Chrissy?