Gewurtztraminer chat with Matt Pooley

Gewurztraminer is one of those varieties that can be incredibly rewarding — yet still flies under the radar for many wine drinkers.

It’s a natural match for bold, spice-driven cuisines, pairing beautifully with dishes from India, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and even Mexico. Its aromatic intensity and fruit richness make it one of the most versatile wines for food pairing, especially where heat and complexity are involved.

So why isn’t it more popular? Part of it comes down to perception — and even pronunciation. The name alone can be enough to make people hesitate when choosing a wine.

We caught up with Matt Pooley from Pooley Wines to chat about the Pooley Gewurztraminer 2024, a wine that’s been a real success at their cellar door. As Matt explains, once people try it, they’re often surprised by just how fresh, balanced, and drinkable it is.

This vintage opens with generous fruit notes of ripe pear and honeydew melon, layered with lifted aromatics of rose petals and a hint of Turkish delight. What sets it apart, however, is the finish — clean, fresh, and driven by a lingering acidity that brings real precision to the wine.

With just 1.3g of residual sugar — unusually low for the variety — it delivers a drier, more refined style that still retains all the signature Gewurztraminer character.

Region: Tamar Valley, Tasmania
Budburst Rating: #fantasticwine — 95 points