Grape variety
Gewürztraminer

Hardly any other grape variety polarises as much as Gewürztraminer. Its name alone reveals what it is all about: intensity, spice and an unmistakable spectrum of flavours ranging from lychee, bitter orange and rose petals to marzipan. It is not a subtle wine, nor is it meant to be. Genetically, Gewürztraminer is almost identical to Savagnin or Roter Traminer, but aromatically it has a character all of its own. It is one of the oldest known grape varieties in Europe and produces golden yellow, sometimes slightly copper-coloured wines that are hard to beat in terms of richness, fragrance and expression. Its high extract and alcohol content - often over 14% - are balanced by concentration, flavour density and sometimes a fine residual sweetness. This results in wines of astonishing harmony, which can also mature excellently. This is one side of the "spice", as it is often called in English-speaking countries. The other is the very dry version, which is often produced in South Tyrol and is highly sought-after throughout Italy. In addition, excellent orange wines, i.e. mash-fermented white wines, can be produced from this late-ripening variety. Gewürztraminer is grown on around 13,000 hectares worldwide. There are a good 1,000 in Germany and around 280 in Austria, with France and Italy accounting for the largest shares. A small grape with a strong character - and a great seducer in the glass.

Order Gewürztraminer wines online

Winery Malat RAW Gewürztraminer 2022

Kremstal, Austria

13.95 €

0.75 l, 18.60 €/l
in stock

Familienweingut Tement Ried Wielitschberg Alte Reben Gewürztraminer 2021

96 Falstaff

BIO

Familienweingut Tement Ried Wielitschberg Alte Reben Gewürztraminer 2021

Südsteiermark, Austria

39.00 €

0.75 l, 52.00 €/l
in stock

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Gewürztraminer wine

What does a typical Gewürztraminer taste like and how can I recognise it immediately?

Gewürztraminer is one of the most aromatic grape varieties in the world. When you swirl your glass, the flavours literally jump out at you. Its trademark is the scent of lychee, rose petals and exotic fruits such as mango or passion fruit. A subtle spice of cloves or nutmeg is often added - hence the name.

What is the structure of Gewürztraminer in terms of acidity and alcohol?

In contrast to a Riesling, Gewürztraminer has rather low acidity. This makes it very soft and almost creamy on the palate. On the other hand, it often has a higher alcohol content, which gives it a strong body and a certain oiliness (viscosity).

Is a wine from the Gewürztraminer grape variety actually always sweet?

This is a widespread misconception! Gewürztraminer comes in all varieties. In South Tyrol or Germany, it is often vinified dry, which makes it a wonderfully flavoursome accompaniment to food. In Alsace, it is more often found semi-dry or as a sweet speciality (Vendange Tardive), where its natural opulence comes into its own.

What is the biggest difference between Gewürztraminer and Riesling?

It is the contrast between power and precision. Riesling is defined by its vibrant acidity and minerality. Gewürztraminer, on the other hand, is characterised by its powdery texture, mild acidity and almost baroque, opulent richness.

What is the geographical origin of the Gewürztraminer grape variety?

The name suggests it: The village of Tramin in South Tyrol(Italy) is considered the namesake. Genetically, the grape variety is a mutation of Traminer. Today, Gewürztraminer is particularly popular in Alsace(France), but also in Germany, Austria and overseas (e.g. New Zealand).

How does Gewürztraminer differ from Gelber Muskateller?

Both are "bouquet grape varieties", but the difference is clear: while Muscat tastes rather fresh, tangy and like fresh grapes, Gewürztraminer is heavier, fuller-bodied and smells more like perfumed roses and spices.

What food harmonises perfectly with a glass of Gewürztraminer?

This is where Gewürztraminer plays its joker! It is the ultimate partner for Asian cuisine, especially when ginger, lemongrass or a slight spiciness (curries) are involved. It is also a revelation with strong red smear cheese such as Munster or a classic goose liver pâté.

What influence do soil and climate have on Gewürztraminer?

Gewürztraminer is a diva in the vineyard. It doesn't like it too hot, otherwise it doesn't retain enough acidity, but it needs enough warmth to develop its intense flavours. It thrives best on heavy marl or clay soils, which give it strength and extract.

Discover more grape varieties for white wines.

Traminer/Savagnin Blanc

Traminer, known in France as Savagnin Blanc, is a white aromatic grape variety characterised by its intense aromas. Floral aromas of flowers, spices and fruity notes result in a complex and sometimes almost disturbingly dense aroma and flavour.

Sémillon

Sémillon is a noble white grape variety that originates from France, but has now also found a home in the New World. The wines are known for their fruity flavours and full body. Dry Sémillon wines typically show flavours of lemon or lime, while the sweet and noble sweet varieties have apricot, peach, honey, candied fruit or nutty tones.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best-known white grape varieties in France. It actually originated in the Loire - but is now cultivated worldwide as the second most important noble variety after Chardonnay. New Zealand in particular has become the second home of Sauvignon Blanc.

Grüner Veltliner

Grüner Veltliner is a white grape variety grown mainly in Austria and is the country's best-known grape. The wines are light to medium-bodied, with moderate acidity and a characteristic pepper aroma that is often compared to white peppercorns or radishes.

Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio, is a white grape variety grown in many wine regions such as France, Italy and Germany.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is the most widely cultivated white premium grape variety. Its origins probably lie in Burgundy, but today it is grown all over the world. One of the reasons for its success is its enormous ability to adapt to a wide range of conditions.

Sangiovese

Sangiovese is one of Italy's best-known red grape varieties and is mainly grown in Tuscany. The wines are known for their not too angular tannins, their strong acidity and their fruity, spicy flavour. Sangiovese wines typically show notes of cherries, red berries, leather and spices.

Trollinger

Trollinger is a red grape variety from southern Germany, particularly from the Württemberg region. The wines have a light, fruity flavour and are usually light and sparkling.

Zinfandel

The Zinfandel grape variety is mainly grown in California and produces powerful, extremely powerful and dense red wines, usually with a high alcohol content. The flavour is characterised by aromas of ripe, dark berries and fruits such as blackberry, cherry and plum as well as spicy notes of cinnamon, cloves, chocolate and pepper.

Zweigelt

Zweigelt is a highly successful new red variety from Austria, whose parents are Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent. It produces violet/red wines with a deep colour and intense aromas such as cherry, red and blackcurrant or blackberry, as well as spicy notes such as vanilla or cinnamon.

Cinsault

Cinsault is a red grape variety that is mainly cultivated in southern France, particularly in Languedoc-Roussillon, where it most likely originated. It is heat-resistant and produces wines with a light body, low tannins and a rather light colour. Typical flavours are red fruits such as strawberry, raspberry and cherry, often surrounded by floral tones.

Aglianico

Aglianico is one of the oldest grape varieties from southern Italy. The first written evidence of its cultivation dates back to the 16th century. It produces high-quality wines with a deep ruby to garnet red colour and a rich, multi-layered bouquet.

Here you can find information on other grape varieties.

Grape variety Gewürztraminer