Traminer family·Landmark·white

Gewürztraminer

An unmistakably perfumed pink-berried mutation of Savagnin, famed for lychee and rose aromatics and Alsace's richest dry and late-harvest whites.

Color
White
Family
Traminer family
Synonyms
Traminer aromatico, Gewür…
Primary regions
4
Significance
Landmark
Cross-references
2

About Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer is the aromatic extrovert of the Traminer family, arising as a pink-skinned mutation of Savagnin (Traminer) whose name means 'spiced Traminer.' Its wines are among the most instantly recognizable in the world: lychee, rose petal, Turkish delight and exotic spice leap from the glass, carried by a full, oily body and characteristically low acidity. Alsace is its spiritual home, producing everything from powerful dry bottlings to opulent Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles sweet wines. It also thrives in Germany, Alto Adige and cooler New World sites. Because acidity is low, site, yield and picking date are critical to keeping the wines balanced rather than blowsy. Deeply colored and richly textured, it is a classic partner for aromatic Asian cuisine and pungent cheeses.

Variety profile

Parentage
A pink-berried, intensely aromatic colour mutation of Savagnin (Traminer); not a cross but a clonal mutation of the Traminer line
Primary regions
AlsaceGermany (Pfalz, Baden)Alto AdigeNew Zealand
Flavor profile
Explosive aromatics of lychee, rose petal, Turkish delight, ginger and baking spice; oily, full-bodied and low in acid, with a faintly bitter finish
Structural notes
Pink-skinned berries give deep gold, sometimes coppery wines; naturally low acidity, high potential alcohol and rich, oily texture; strongly perfumed
Vinification notes
Usually fermented dry to off-dry in Alsace, but its high sugar potential also yields Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles late-harvest and botrytis sweet wines; typically unoaked to preserve aromatics

Editorial notes

Practical guidance

Low acidity means balance hinges on the producer; seek dry examples for savory food and late-harvest cuvées for dessert. A benchmark match for spiced Asian dishes.

Cross-references

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