What's in My Glass Wednesdays! 2009 Traminette by Seven Mountains Wine Cellars

Traminette is a white French hybrid grape that is reminiscent of European varieties, Gewurztraminer and Riesling.  It is commonly fermented in a style similar to those two popular wine grapes.  The wines are typically floral, tropical, and slightly spicy.  I recently found a very nice Traminette from Pennsylvania, produced by Seven Mountains Wine Cellars, located in central Pennsylvania. 

Traminette Grapes

(Photo from My Vine Spot)

2009 Traminette by Seven Mountains Wine Cellars

The D-2010 Scale 

2009 Traminette by Seven Mountains Wine Cellars (Pennsylvania)

Appearance (10 points possible): paler straw-yellow color, clear - 10 points

Aroma/Bouquet (20 points possible): Citrus, peach, lilacs and gardenias.  A nice tropical note of pineapples meanders out of the glass as you continue sipping. - 17 points

Taste (10 points possible):  A slight sweetness up front and throughout the wine.  A crisp acidity matches well with the sweetness. Very refreshing.  Tropical pineapple grasps your palate with a floral undertone.  Nice grassy and citrus notes, like lemongrass, with light notes of a mild spice in the finish with lingering sweetness. - 8 points

Balance (5 points possible): I think the wine is very well done, but the sweetness is slightly disjointed from the acidity.  However, that is a picky wine critic point.  Overall, a refreshing and approachable wine. - 4 points

Finish (5 points possible): A lemongrass finale with lingering hints of sweetness.  Notes of spice and citrus complement all the flavors and aromas of this wine. - 5 points

Packaging *Introduction to the D-2010 Scale*

Quality of Package (5 points possible):  Dark brown glass, traditional German style bottle.  I like the black/gold capsule with a tab to remove the top part of the capsule.  I know that isn't sommelier-preferred, but at home, I hate peeling off the foil! - 5 points

Label Marketability (10 points possible): Based on the New York Grubstreet article, this is a "Diluted French" label style.  Very traditional and classy; the label is a high quality, linen-like material.  I really enjoy the leaf centered at the top of the label.  I enjoy this label.  It's quite attractive; serious yet catchy.  I would definitely pick it up off a shelf at the wine store. - 9 points

Other (5 points possible):  Everything is pretty standard on this bottle. - 5 points

Total Points: 93 points

Overall Thought: I thought this was a nicely balanced, slightly sweet white wine.  The sweetness isn't cloying.  In fact, I prefer a wine of this style throughout the hot summer months.  It's very reminiscent of a walk through the gardens - all the grass and floral notes with hints of fruit subdued in the background breeze cling to you as the sun is beaming down on your skin. 

Food Pairings:  I really like Traminette with spicy foods - like Thai and Indian cuisine.  I think that floral, tropical flavor will really pair nicely with a bowl of curry.  Is it too hot outside for curry?  How about a nice cheese platter with some fresh brie, nuts, and dried fruits... yummm.  (One of my favorite summer "meals.")  Of course the German nature of Traminette will also pair well with many light seafood dishes - things like mussels and shrimp (or at least, I think so!). 

Cost: $13

Splurge Factor (out of 4): 1 - This is a good deal for that breezy, summer wine with just the right touch of sweetness.

Where to buy:  Seven Mountains Wine Cellars primarily distributes out of their winery.  You can check out some of their wines at their website.