Gewurztraminer is a
delightfully aromatic white wine made from a
light pink-skinned grape whose
spiced and tropical flavours simply can’t fail to tickle your taste buds. Indeed, such is its popularity that its origins are highly contested: whilst generally thought of as a
German wine, some say these grapes were first grown in the Alsace region in France, resulting from a mutation of the Savagnin – or Traminer – grape; others that it hails from the Termeno (‘Traminer’ in German) area of Alto Adige in
Italy. Nowadays, in any case, Gewurztraminer is produced around the world, thriving in
cooler climes such as those of Washington State in the US, where it is notably cultivated in Yakima Valley for example, and also Germany, Argentina and Chile. Nevertheless, it is not an easy grape to grow, and is susceptible to various diseases, meaning that only about
20,000 acres are cultivated worldwide.
Whatever its origin story, it is generally accepted that French winemakers in particular have developed this wine to its fullest and most elegant expression, with
Alsatian Gewurztraminer wines heading the league tables. Indeed, these wines can reach extraordinary intensity for a white wine, evidencing an incredible complexity of flavour which holds its own against even the
most demanding food pairings. Perhaps its
heady aromas are the reason that many believe Gewurztraminer to be a
sweet wine, but
dry Gewurztraminer is also widely produced. The Alsace region is moreover also home to a more exclusive variety of Gewurztraminer, the ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’ (referring to the fact that the grapes with which it is made have been rigorously selected by hand). These are ’
botrytis wines’, whose grapes have been exposed to a particular type of mould which concentrates and intensifies the resulting flavours even further.
What is Gewurztraminer wine like? Before we delve into its taste profile, it is impossible not to observe the
incredible colour of
Gewurztraminer white wines. Indeed, ‘white’ is a misnomer here: these wines are gold, even coppery. On the nose, Gewurztraminer is unmistakeable, its bouquet rich with
tropical fruit and exotic flowers. But it is on the palate that a veritable cornucopia of exquisite notes awaits: from melon, lychee and pineapple, to ginger, apricot and rose, and more besides. For a white wine, Gewurztraminer can also have a
relatively high alcohol content, coming in at between 13.5-15% ABV. Precisely because of its highly concentrated flavours and high ABV, Gewurztraminer is often used in blends, with varieties such as the more acidic
Riesling and
Pinot Gris providing a pleasing counterbalance. Here at Tannico, you can find an
extensive selection of the
best single variety and blended Gewurztraminer wines from leading wineries in France, Germany and Italy, such as
Tramin,
Hofstätter,
San Michele Appiano, Abbazia di Novacella, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht and
Willm, to name but a few.
What food goes well with Gewurztraminer? Prepare to be surprised – these are not your typical
white wine pairings. Indeed, Gewurztraminer’s complex structure and rich aroma make it the perfect partner for
stronger flavours. Try Alsatian Gewurztraminers with aged cheeses or foie gras, and those from Alto Adige with traditional antipasti and even Thai, Moroccan or Chinese food – indeed, a
mysterious alchemy seems to take place in the presence of five spice in particular, whereby food and wine exalt each other with felicitous results. Happy tasting!
