Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer is an aromatic white grape with a distinctive character. It is known for its intense perfume of lychee, rose, tropical fruit, and spices. Thanks to its rich body, soft acidity, and distinctive aroma, Gewürztraminer is a grape with an iconic style that is instantly recognizable. Primarily associated with Alsace , it is also found in Germany , Austria , Italy , and cooler parts of the New World.

What is Gewürztraminer?

Gewürztraminer is an aromatic grape with a distinctively perfumed style. The name refers to "spiciness" (gewürz) and Tramin, a historic wine town in northern Italy. The grape is prized for its rich, exotic aromas and rounded, sometimes slightly sweet flavor structure. It is used for dry, semi-sweet, and noble sweet wines and is known as one of the most expressive white grapes in the world.

Origin and vineyards

Gewürztraminer thrives in cool to temperate climates. It ripens early, has thin skins, and requires well-chosen vineyard sites.

Major areas of origin:
• Alsace (France) – the birthplace of modern Gewürztraminer
• Germany – especially in Palatinate and Baden
• Italy – Alto Adige as a quality reference
• Austria – especially in Styria
• New World – cooler parts of the US, New Zealand and Australia

Terroir characteristics that contribute to quality:
• Lime and clay soils for structure
• Cool nights for aromatic freshness
• Good drainage due to hilly plots
• Sufficient sun to reach full ripeness

Styles and vinification

Gewürztraminer is known for wines with many aromas, roundness and a seductive texture.

Main style features:
• Scents of lychee, roses, pineapple, ginger and spices
• Low to mild acidity
• Round, full structure
• Sometimes slightly sweet, sometimes dry but always aromatic

Styles in which Gewürztraminer is made:
• Dry Gewürztraminer – aromatic but with a firm structure
• Semi-dry – full, round style with subtle sweetness
• Noble sweet ( Vendanges Tardives , Sélection de Grains Nobles ) – intense dessert wines
• Sparkling (limited) – aromatic and unique style

Why does Gewürztraminer have such a distinct aroma? Because the grape is naturally rich in aromatic compounds like terpenes, which give it its characteristic lychee and rose aromas.

Storage and serving

Storage potential:
• Dry Gewürztraminer: 3–6 years
• Semi-sweet styles: 4–8 years
• Noble sweet wines: 10–20+ years

Serving temperature:
• 8–10 degrees for dry styles
• 6–8 degrees for semi-sweet and sweet styles

Buy Gewürztraminer at Perfectewijn.nl

At Perfecte Wijn, you'll find Gewürztraminer with the character that makes this grape so beloved: aromatic, exotic, elegant, and richly flavored. Perfect for lovers of expressive white wines and ideal with spicy dishes, cheeses, or as a unique aperitif.