Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer (pronounced "gur-vertz-tram-inner"), is a white wine grape originating from Germany and Alsace with a distinctive personality. Think you can smell lychees in your glass? Then it’s almost certainly a Gewürz you’re enjoying.  

Gewürztraminer grapes have an iconic pink to red colour – rare among white grape varieties. The grape's skin is also relatively thick, contributing to the wine's classic depth of flavour and intense aromas.

This bold and unapologetically aromatic white wine has pronounced floral notes – roses, lychee and ripe peaches – with a hint of spice and rich texture that feels almost luxurious on, the palate setting it apart from other white wines. Although originally from Germany's Alsace region, Gewürztraminer thrives in cooler climates around the world. It's also grown in regions like Alto Adige in Italy and certain parts of the New World, such as New Zealand and the United States.

Yes, in general, Gewürztraminer is often considered sweeter than Riesling. Both Gewürztraminer and Riesling are white grape varieties that can produce a range of wine styles from dry to sweet. However, Gewürztraminer tends to have a bolder and more pronounced sweetness compared to Riesling.

Riesling, on the other hand, is known for its versatility and can be made in various styles, including bone-dry, off-dry, and sweet. Some Riesling wines, especially those labelled as ‘late harvest’ or ‘dessert’ Riesling, can be quite sweet. However, Riesling is also celebrated for its high acidity, which can balance out the sweetness and give the wine a refreshing quality.

Gewürztraminer can be produced in various styles, ranging from bone-dry to sweet. The different styles are often influenced by factors such as the winemaking process, fermentation techniques, and the winemaker's decisions. Here are the main styles of Gewürztraminer:

Dry Gewürztraminer: Some winemakers produce Gewürztraminer in a dry style, meaning that virtually all of the grape's natural sugars are fermented into alcohol, resulting in a wine with minimal residual sugar. Dry Gewürztraminers often showcase the grape's aromatic intensity, spiciness, and rich texture without the sweetness.

Off-dry or medium-sweet Gewürztraminer: Many Gewürztraminer wines fall into the off-dry or medium-sweet category. In these styles, some of the grape's natural sugars are retained in the finished wine, creating a noticeable sweetness. Off-dry Gewürztraminers can balance the grape's natural spiciness with a touch of sweetness, making them versatile and appealing to a wide range of palates.

Late harvest Gewürztraminer: Late harvest wines are made from grapes that have been left on the vine longer than usual, allowing them to accumulate higher levels of sugar. Late harvest Gewürztraminers can be sweet, luscious, and often display intensified aromatics and flavours. These wines may also show characteristics of honey and dried fruits.

Botrytized or noble rot Gewürztraminer: In certain regions and conditions, Gewürztraminer grapes may experience noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), a beneficial fungus that concentrates the sugars and flavours in the grape. This can result in intensely sweet and complex dessert wines known for their honeyed character, such as some late harvest or dessert-style Gewürztraminers.

Sparkling Gewürztraminer: While less common, some winemakers produce sparkling Gewürztraminer. These wines can be made in various sweetness levels, from bone-dry to sweet, and they often retain the grape's aromatic and spicy qualities. Ultimately, the style of Gewürztraminer can vary from one producer to another and depends on the winemaker's preferences and the intended market. The diverse range of styles makes Gewürztraminer a versatile wine that can appeal to a broad spectrum of wine enthusiasts.

Gewürztraminer is not necessarily considered a 'beginner wine,' as wine preferences can be highly subjective and vary from person to person. However, there are a few characteristics of Gewürztraminer that might make it more approachable for some individuals, including those who are relatively new to wine:

• Palate-friendly sweetness: Gewürztraminer often has a touch of sweetness, which can be appealing to those who are just starting to explore wine. The slight sweetness can make the wine more accessible and enjoyable for beginners who may not be accustomed to the dryness found in some other varieties.
• Distinct aromatics: Gewürztraminer is known for its intense and aromatic profile. It often exhibits floral, lychee, rose, and spice notes. The bold aromas can make the wine more engaging and interesting for beginners who are exploring different sensory experiences in wine.
• Versatility with food: Gewürztraminer's versatility in food pairings can be attractive to beginners. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, from spicy Asian cuisine to poultry and cheeses, providing flexibility for those still discovering their wine preferences.
• Memorable flavour profile: The distinct flavours of Gewürztraminer, including its pronounced aromatic characteristics, can make it a memorable wine for beginners. This uniqueness can contribute to the enjoyment and learning experience for those new to wine.

Gewürztraminer is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods. Its aromatic and slightly spicy characteristics make it an excellent match for dishes with bold and flavourful profiles. Here are some food pairing suggestions for Gewürztraminer:

• Spicy Asian Cuisine: The wine's slight sweetness and aromatic nature complement the spice found in dishes like Thai, Chinese, or Indian cuisine. Try it with spicy curries, stir-fries, or dishes featuring ginger and garlic.
• Aged Cheeses: Gewürztraminer pairs nicely with aged cheeses, particularly those with a bit of sweetness or nuttiness. Consider cheeses like Gouda, Swiss, or aged cheddar.
• Smoked Meats: The wine's aromatic intensity can stand up well to the flavours of smoked meats. Try it with smoked salmon, barbecue dishes, or charcuterie.