Gewurztraminer

The History of the Gewurztraminer Grape Variety

As its name suggests, Gewurztraminer is closely related to a family of grape varietals known as Traminer. These ancient grapes are prone to natural mutations, which have led to countless varieties that share traits.

The original Traminer grapes are believed to originate in the town of the same name in the Italian South Tyrol (Alto Adige) region. However, the grape also impacted the other side of the Alps, as it was picked up by German and Austrian grape growers at least a thousand years ago. Sources suggest that Gewürztraminer has been a German varietal all along; however, it’s been so long that we will only know the grape’s ancestral home once we get solid DNA evidence.

Gewürztraminer probably mutated naturally along the Rhine River between the 18th and 19th centuries. Although the grape still grows in regions as south as Northern Italy, it became prominent in Germany and, particularly, in France’s German-influenced region of Alsace. Today, Gewürztraminer is considered an international varietal and grows well in diverse wine regions worldwide.

Wine Regions

Alsace is the most notable source of Gewürztraminer. It is the second most planted noble grape in the region after Riesling, and it produces dry and semi-sweet wines that charm on the nose and palate. Gewürztraminer grows across Alsace and is often planted in the region’s prestigious Grand Cru vineyards. These wines are age-worthy and worthy of the most memorable occasions.

Gewürztraminer also grows in Germany and Austria, although to a lesser extent. It is successful in Northern Italy, where the grape grows in the narrow valleys across the Alps in Trentino-Alto Adige.

Gewürz also enjoys a moderate presence outside of Europe. It is grown in the USA, New Zealand and Chile, to mention a few sources. The variety is hard to grow, as it is prone to fungal diseases, which is why it thrives in the dry vineyards of Alsace, where rain is scarce.

Wine Styles & Tasting Notes

Gewürztraminer produces full-bodied white wines with medium acidity and medium-high alcohol. The wines are aromatic and sweet on the nose but not always on the palate. Traditionally, Gewurztraminer wines in Alsace are sweeter in warmer vintages and dryer in cooler ones. However, the hand of the winemaker and its vision play a significant role in the wine’s final sweetness. When labeled vendage tardive or séléction des grains nobles, the wine is most likely sweet.

Despite its sweetness, Gewürz often offers scents of blossoms and delicate perfume mixed with hints of spice, tropical fruit, like lychee, and candied orange peels. On the palate, expect a bold wine with phenolic grittiness and elevated alcohol.

New World examples are often dryer and cleaner. Unlike traditional regions like Alsace, where the wine undergoes old-barrel ageing, new-world Gewürztraminer is made in stainless steel. These wines are almost always dry or off-dry and lighter than their French counterparts.

Food Pairings

Gewürztraminer is bold on the nose and palate. Therefore, it can tackle more flavourful food. Sweet and semi-sweet Alsatian wine is traditionally paired with strong, aromatic cheese. However, it is perfectly compatible with white meat and poultry, especially when served with sweet, fruit-based sauces.

In modern times, Gewürztraminer has become a solid pairing for spicy cuisines. Indian curries, Moroccan tagine and Southeast Asian stir-fries, traditionally spicy, find their perfect match in semi-sweet Gewürz. Hard to pronounce, but easy to enjoy, Gewürztraminer is every wine-lover’s darling.