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Gewürztraminer grape
Photo: Marco Pregnolato on Unsplash
Gewürztraminer is a white grape known for lychee, rose, spice. Its best-known homes are Alsace.
Origin and history
An aromatic, pink-skinned form of the ancient Savagnin (Traminer) family; the Traminer name links it to Tramin (Termeno) in Alto Adige.
Where it grows
Alsace above all, plus Alto Adige, Germany (Pfalz), Austria, New Zealand (Gisborne), Oregon, Washington and Chile.
Structure
Full body, low acidity and often high alcohol; ranges from dry to off-dry to lusciously sweet.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: lychee, rose petal, ginger, Turkish delight and sweet spice. With age: honey, candied fruit, smoke and exotic spice.
Ageing
Dry styles are best within 2–6 years; Alsace Grand Cru, Vendange Tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles can age 10–20+ years.
Also known as
Traminer Aromatico, Roter Traminer, Gewürztraminer (also spelt Gewurztraminer).
Good to know
'Gewürz' is German for spice; its pink skins mean the wine often has a deep golden colour, and it is a classic match for Munster cheese.
Wine regions for Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Cantina Tramin Nussbaumer Gewürztraminer
Trentino-Alto Adige · Alto Adige · Gewürztraminer
Exotic and dry: lychee, rose petal, ginger and a long spicy finish.
Food: Thai curry, foie gras, Munster cheese
Domaines Schlumberger Gewurztraminer Cuvée Christine VT
Alsace · Alsace Vendanges Tardives · Gewürztraminer
Late-harvest Gewurztraminer: lychee, honey and rose.
Food: Foie gras, blue cheese
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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