Gewürztraminer

Portrait

Gewürztraminer is an aromatic mutation of Traminer (Savagnin), one of Central Europe's oldest known varieties, whose name probably comes from the South Tyrolean village of Tramin. Alsace is the most important growing area; in Germany there are plantings in Pfalz and Baden. The variety is closely related to Roter Traminer, and pink-skinned berries are characteristic.

The vine buds early and is exposed to spring frost, ripens mid-season to late and requires deep, calcareous and loamy soils. Yields fluctuate, and coulure is a risk. The wines are deep in colour, high in alcohol and low in acidity, with a striking rose and lychee character. Alsace produces dry to sweet versions, including Vendange Tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles.

Gewürztraminer pairs with spicy Asian cuisine, Munster cheese, foie gras and dishes with ginger or curry; with bottle age it gains honey and spice notes.