Gewürztraminer

Type: White

Origin: Alsace, France

Body: Medium - Full

Tannins: N/A

Acidity: Low - Medium

Food Pairings

Meat/Fish

Spicy Thai Shrimp

Grilled Salmon with Ginger Glaze

Roast Duck with Hoisin

Indian Chicken Curry

Sushi with Wasabi

Cheese

Munster

Gorgonzola

Brie

Aged Washed-Rind Cheeses

Other

Spicy Pad Thai

Moroccan Tagine

Onion Tart

Lychee Salad

About Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer is one of the world’s most distinctively aromatic white grapes, known for its intense floral perfume, exotic spice notes, and plush texture. Its name comes from the German word Gewürz, meaning “spice,” and its origins trace back to the Traminer grape of Alto Adige in northern Italy.

Most famously grown in Alsace, France, where it thrives in the cool continental climate, Gewürztraminer produces dry, off-dry, and sweet wines, each brimming with lychee, rose, and ginger aromas. While the grape is grown in small quantities globally, its powerful style makes a big impression.

Because of its naturally low acidity and high aromatic intensity, Gewürztraminer pairs exceptionally well with spicy, flavorful cuisine and strong cheeses.

Winemaking

Gewürztraminer is typically fermented in stainless steel to retain its intense aromatics. It is often made in off-dry or dry styles, but may reach late harvest (Vendanges Tardives) and noble rot (Sélection de Grains Nobles) levels of sweetness in regions like Alsace. Its low natural acidity makes careful vineyard and fermentation management crucial. Skin contact before pressing is sometimes used to enhance aromatics and texture. The grape’s naturally high sugar potential also contributes to its rich mouthfeel and relatively high alcohol.

Key Growing Regions

Alsace (France)

The gold standard for Gewürztraminer. Produces dry, off-dry, and late harvest wines with complexity and structure.

Alto Adige (Italy)

Fresher, more restrained styles, often labeled as Gewürztraminer or Traminer Aromatico.

Germany (Pfalz & Baden)

Typically off-dry with bright fruit, lower alcohol, and soft florality.

New Zealand (Marlborough)

Fresh and aromatic with exotic fruit and moderate sweetness.

USA (California & Oregon)

Varied styles, often bold and fruity with pronounced spice and lychee notes.

Fun Facts

1

Gewürztraminer is pink-skinned, though it produces white wine.

2

The name means “Spicy Traminer” and reflects both its flavor and heritage.

3

It is one of only four noble white grapes of Alsace, along with Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Muscat.

4

Despite its sweetness in aroma, Gewürztraminer is often vinified dry, causing surprise on first sip.

5

It is a top pairing for spicy Asian cuisine, thanks to its aromatics and low acidity.

Winedrops

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