Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer (/ɡəˈvʏʁtstʁaˌmiːnɐ/; from German Gewürz, meaning "spice", and Traminer, referring to the Traminer family of grapes) is a highly aromatic white grape variety grown in several wine regions worldwide, most notably in Alsace and parts of northern Italy, Germany, Austria, and New World regions. Known for its pronounced perfume and exotic flavour profile, it is often produced in both dry and off-dry styles.[1]
Origin and history
Gewürztraminer is a pink-skinned mutation of Savagnin, a variety with deep historical roots in the Alpine regions of Europe.[2] Its name reflects the "spicy" character of the wine and its association with the village of Tramin in South Tyrol. The grape is believed to have been cultivated since the Middle Ages, with significant expansion in Alsace during the 20th century, where it became one of the region’s four noble varieties.[3]
Viticultural profile
Gewürztraminer vines are early budding and early ripening, making them sensitive to spring frost and requiring relatively cool climates to preserve acidity.[4] They thrive in well-drained soils, particularly marl and limestone, but can be challenging to grow due to uneven ripening and susceptibility to disease. Yields are naturally low, which can contribute to concentrated aromas and flavours in the finished wines.[5]
Wine style and production
Gewürztraminer is noted for its intense aromatic character, often displaying lychee, rose petal, and exotic spice, with underlying tropical fruit and citrus elements.[6] In Alsace, it is commonly made as a dry to off-dry still wine, while late-harvest and botrytised versions can produce rich dessert wines. In Italy’s Alto Adige, styles tend to be fresher and more restrained, while in New World regions such as New Zealand and the United States, winemakers experiment with varying levels of sweetness. Its pronounced perfume and low acidity make it distinctive but sometimes polarising in taste.
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.
- ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.
- ↑ Schmid, Gewürztraminer: Geschichte und Charakter einer Rebsorte, Ulmer, 2007, ISBN 978-3800158684.
- ↑ Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), “Gewurztraminer – Fiche technique”, inao.gouv.fr.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, ISBN 978-1784724030.
- ↑ Wine Folly, “Gewürztraminer Wine Guide”, winefolly.com.