From: Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia
Varietal: Gewürztraminer
Tasting Notes: From the Producer: “Don't expect any sweetness here, it's bone dry, and due to some slight early picking, a touch of refreshing acidity, bursting with potpourri, ginger and kaffir lime aromatics, a gorgeous chalky texture, riddled with golden apples, white peach and pineapple.”
Pairing: This Gewürztraminer is a perfect match for dishes that showcase vibrant herbs, spices, and the trifecta balance of sweet, salty, and acidic flavors characteristic of Southeast Asian cuisine. Pair this wine with dishes like Thai green curry, Vietnamese lemongrass chicken, Pad Thai with shrimp, spicy papaya salad, crispy spring rolls, Vietnamese pho, and coconut milk-based curries. Its aromatic profile and balanced acidity make it an ideal companion for the complex, bold flavors of these regional cuisines.
Thai-Style Coconut Curry Chicken Tacos
By Kay Chun
About.
Unico Zelo Wines, based in Australia, is a young and innovative winery founded by Brendan and Laura Carter. Their journey began in 2012, driven by a passion for creating wines that express the unique terroir of Australian vineyards and highlight lesser-known grape varieties that thrive in the country's diverse climate.
The founders, both with a background in viticulture and winemaking, were inspired by their travels and experiences in the wine industry. They were particularly influenced by the potential they saw in Australia for producing high-quality wines from varieties less commonly grown there, like Fiano and Nero d’Avola. Their approach combines traditional winemaking techniques with a modern, sustainable ethos.
Unico Zelo’s philosophy revolves around sustainability, community, and innovation. They are committed to minimal intervention winemaking, using natural fermentation processes, and avoiding additives. Their wines are often unfiltered and unfined, allowing the true character of the grapes and the land to shine through.
The 2023 Gewürztraminer from Clare Valley, grown in Ngadjuri Country, is crafted from a plot in Polish Hill River with soil composed of red clay shale over blue slate. This region shares remarkable climatic similarities with the grape's ancestral home in Tramin, Alto-Adige, Italy, known for its historical solid German ties. With an alcohol content of 11.5% ABV, this vintage benefits from an annual rainfall of 600mm, an altitude of 520m, and proximity to the ocean at around 30km, providing an ideal growing environment akin to its traditional growing climate origins in Italy. The
winemaker has worked with this plot since 2020, notably featured in their ‘Esoterico’ wine, highlighting the affinity for Northern Italian varieties.
