Gewurztraminer White Wine Variety

An ancient Alsatian variety with a heady aromas of roses and lychees

By Viala et Vermorel (Ampélographie) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Just what is this variety?

The name derives from the word 'spicy' in German

In fact technically this variety is a clone of Savagnin, a centuries old variety with many different clonal expressions, including Savagnin Blanc the variety simply known as 'Savagnin' in Australia.  See this article if you are unsure about the difference between of varieties and clones

So you could say that Savagnin and Gewurztraminer are identical twins.  There are slight differences in their genes which give rise to the bronze colouring of the skins and unmistakable aroma of Gewurztraminer. 

That's the basic geneticists view but from the point of view of grapegrowers, winemakers and consumers Gewurztraminer and Savagnin are separate varieties. So enough of the technical stuff.

Where it is grown

Gewurztraminer is principally associated with Alsace in north east France but it is also grown in Germany and throughout central and eastern Europe, Italy and Spain. In the New world there are significant amounts in the US, Canada, Chile, New Zealand as well as Australia.

Synonyms of grape varieties evolve over time and space.  Varieties with a large number of synonyms are much older and widespread. Wikipedia lists over a hundred for Gewurztraminer, but the ones you might find more commonly are Traminer, Rotclevner, Savagnin Rose, Fermin Rouge, Fromenteau Rouge, Ranfolzia, Kleinwiner, Drumin, Heida, Mala Dinka, Pinat Cervana, Liwora.

Australian Producers of Gewurztraminer

A few decades ago a lot of this variety was grown in warmer regions to be blended with Riesling. Traminer Riesling was a popular off dry white wine style. 

Now most Gewurztraminer is grown in cooler areas to make more elegant varietal wines or sometimes it is blended with Pinot Gris and Riesling. 

Learn More about Grape varieties

De Long's Wine Grape Varietal Table

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Gewurztraminer and food

Most people think these wines are sweet, basically because as soon as they smell the aromas they assume the wine is sweet.  Gewurztraminer wines are often dry and this influences your food choices.

The most common food recommended for accompanying Gewurztraminer is spicy Asian Food, especially Thai food. I'm not so sure about this.

A much better way to enjoy a good dry wine from this variety is with an appetiser such as Foie gras, or with a soft aromatic cheese.

Recently in Alsace I enjoyed a glass of the local dry Gewurztraminer with Munster cheese and cumin seeds, a magic combination.

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