Level 2 · Wine & Spirits Exam Prep
Gewurztraminer, Viognier and Albariño
Three highly aromatic white varieties with distinctive personalities.
Topics covered
- Alsace Gewurztraminer
- Condrieu Viognier
- Rías Baixas Albariño
- Aromatic characteristics
Quick Revision
- Gewurztraminer: lychee, rose, spice; low acid; Alsace
- Viognier: apricot, blossom; full body; Condrieu
- Albariño: high acid, saline, peach; Rías Baixas
- Alvarinho = Albariño in Portugal (Vinho Verde)
- All three are aromatic whites
- Albariño = seafood pairing classic
Key Facts for the Exam
- Gewurztraminer: highly aromatic with lychee, rose petal, ginger, spice; Alsace, Germany, Trentino
- Gewurztraminer: deep golden colour, low acidity, high alcohol, full body — distinctive style
- Viognier: aromatic with apricot, peach, blossom; Condrieu (Rhône); also California, Australia
- Viognier: full-bodied, low acidity, heady perfume; can be oaked or unoaked
- Albariño: crisp, high-acid, saline white from Galicia (Spain) and Vinho Verde (Portugal = Alvarinho)
- Albariño: peach, apricot, citrus, saline minerality — ideal with seafood
Level 2 Exam Tips
- 1.Gewurztraminer is the easiest to identify blind: lychee + rose petal + low acid + high alcohol.
- 2.Viognier comes from Condrieu in the Northern Rhône — this is a classic exam region/grape pairing.
- 3.Albariño = Spain (Rías Baixas). Alvarinho = Portugal (Vinho Verde). Same grape, different names.
- 4.All three are aromatic whites with distinct perfume — but Albariño is high acid while the others are low.
Common Exam Mistakes
- ✗Saying Gewurztraminer has high acidity — it is notably LOW in acidity despite its intense aromatics
- ✗Confusing Viognier (apricot/blossom) with Gewurztraminer (lychee/rose) — both are aromatic but different
- ✗Forgetting Albariño and Alvarinho are the same grape from neighbouring countries
Related Topics
Key Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Gewurztraminer taste like?
- Gewurztraminer has one of the most distinctive profiles in wine: intense aromas of lychee, rose petals, ginger, and exotic spice. On the palate it is full-bodied with low acidity and high alcohol, giving a rich, slightly oily texture. Alsace produces the most classic examples, ranging from dry to late-harvest sweet styles.
- Where does Viognier come from and what does it taste like?
- Viognier's most prestigious home is Condrieu in France's Northern Rhône Valley, where it produces small quantities of highly sought-after, expensive white wine. It is aromatic with apricot, peach, and blossom notes, full-bodied with low acidity. It is also grown in California, Australia, and Languedoc where it produces more accessible examples.