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Grape variety : Gewürztraminer

Alsace Chaud Lapin

Alsace Chaud Lapin

Domaine Etienne Simonis Alsace
€14.50
  • Bio
  • Biodynamic
Cazindale

Cazindale

Maison Albert Klee Alsace
€14.50
Gewurz'Sec

Gewurz'Sec

Famille Ruhlmann-Schutz Alsace
€14.30
Gewurztraminer

Gewurztraminer

Domaine Etienne Simonis Alsace
€14.20
  • Bio
  • Biodynamic
Gewurztraminer

Gewurztraminer

Domaine Hassenforder Alsace
€14.00
  • HVE
Gewurztraminer Nature

Gewurztraminer Nature

Domaine Humbrecht 1619 Alsace
€19.80
  • Bio
  • Without So2
  • Biodynamic
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Gewurztraminer: Origins and Characteristics of This Grape Variety

An emblematic grape variety of Alsace, Gewurztraminer is undoubtedly one of the most aromatic and charming white grapes in France! With its characteristic aromas of rose, spices, and lychee, a glass of Gewurztraminer is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone. Follow our guide to discover everything you need to know about Gewurztraminer through its history, aromatic characteristics, and key appellations. You will also find in this article all our tips for making the best food and wine pairings with dry, semi-dry, or sweet Gewurztraminer wines.

Gewürztraminer at a glance

  • Color: aromatic white grape (pink-skinned, traminer family)
  • Origin: The Tyrol; an aromatic mutation of savagnin rose
  • Regions: Alsace (Alsace Gewurztraminer AOC, Grand Cru, Vendanges Tardives, SGN); also the Languedoc (IGP)
  • Profile: intensely aromatic, with notes of lychee, rose and spice
  • Serving temperature: 10 to 12 °C
  • Cellaring: the sweet late-harvest styles (Vendanges Tardives, Sélection de Grains Nobles) are best suited to aging

Description and Origins of Gewurztraminer

Gewurztraminer (or Gewürztraminer) is a white grape with pink skin, belonging to the Traminer family. For a long time, Gewurztraminer was confused with the Savagnin Rose due to its appearance, but it is actually a more aromatic mutation of the latter. Its name literally means “spicy Traminer” or “aromatic Traminer” in Italian Tyrol, the region of Gewurztraminer’s origins. While it has been present in Germany and Italy for centuries, it is in Alsace that Gewurztraminer has gained its full renown. Today, Gewurztraminer represents nearly 20% of the Alsace vineyard and showcases its full potential on the Grand Cru terroirs. Vinified into dry, semi-dry, or sweet wines using the late harvest method and selection of noble berries (grapes affected by noble rot), Gewurztraminer comes in various forms.

Main Terroirs Where Gewurztraminer Is Cultivated in France

In France, Gewurztraminer is primarily cultivated in Alsace under the AOC Alsace Gewurztraminer, AOC Alsace Gewurztraminer Grand Cru, AOC Alsace Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives, and AOC Alsace Gewurztraminer Sélection de Grains Nobles appellations. These appellations offer 100% Gewurztraminer white wines in both dry and sweet styles. The Alsace climate is relatively cool but sheltered by the Vosges Mountains. The many microclimates due to the terrain as well as the diverse soils in Alsace (granites, gneiss, sandstone, limestone, marl, clay, etc.) make the Alsace vineyard highly varied. This is why Gewurztraminer expresses itself differently from one Grand Cru to another, while still maintaining its exuberant character. Highly appreciated for its aromatic profile, Gewurztraminer is also grown in Languedoc, where it reveals a more sun-drenched character.

Aromatic Characteristics of Gewurztraminer

Often vinified as a single-varietal white wine in Alsace, Gewurztraminer can also be blended into the AOC Alsace Edelzwicker along with Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, or Pinot Gris, among others.

Characteristics of Dry Gewurztraminer:

Appearance: Deep golden color.

Nose: Aromas of exotic fruits (lychee, mango, passion fruit), rose, and clove.

Palate: Round and opulent, with a flavor profile that mirrors the nose’s aromatic characteristics.

Characteristics of Sweet Gewurztraminer:

Appearance: Golden yellow with amber hues.

Nose: Similar aromatic profile to dry Gewurztraminer but with added notes of honey and candied fruits.

Palate: Rich, long, and exuberant. In the best Crus, sweetness is balanced by a fine freshness and a delicate minerality.

Best Food and Wine Pairings with Gewurztraminer

Discover our tips for creating ideal food and wine pairings with a bottle of dry or sweet Gewurztraminer wine:

  • To enjoy with Alsace foie gras toasts, there is nothing better than a bottle of AOC Alsace Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives or AOC Alsace Gewurztraminer Sélection de Grains Nobles. Its honey, rose, and lychee aromas combined with its beautiful sweetness make it a classic pairing for foie gras.
  • If you’re planning a sweet and sour Asian dish like a chicken and pineapple stir-fry, opt for a semi-dry Gewurztraminer from AOC Alsace Gewurztraminer or IGP Languedoc. These cuvées, with their roundness, slight sweetness, and exotic aromas, pair wonderfully with Asian cuisine.
  • For a food and wine pairing with powerful cheeses like Munster or Livarot, choose a dry white wine from AOC Alsace Gewurztraminer Grand Cru. The Grand Crus offer drier and more complex white wines that still retain their characteristic rose, lychee, and spice aromas. These wines have enough character to elevate robust cheeses without being overshadowed.

At Avenue des Vins, we offer a wide selection of white, red, rosé wines, and Champagne directly from the domain or château of your choice. On our online shop, each estate is carefully selected, and our bottles are available for home delivery. Whether you choose a bottle of dry or sweet Gewurztraminer from Alsace or from any other French region, discover our wines at the best prices!

Serving Gewurztraminer at the right temperature

Gewurztraminer is best served chilled, at around 10 to 12 °C. At this temperature its exuberant aromas of lychee, rose and spice come through clearly, whether the wine is dry or sweet. Served too warm, like most white wines, it loses its freshness and lift; served too cold, its expressive bouquet closes up.

Gewurztraminer, from dry to sweet

One of the things that makes Gewurztraminer so distinctive is its range: the same grape is vinified in dry, semi-dry and sweet styles. Within the AOC Alsace Gewurztraminer family you will find both dry and sweet wines, while the late-harvest Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles are the richest sweet expressions, made from grapes affected by noble rot.

Beyond Alsace, Gewurztraminer is also grown in Languedoc-Roussillon, where the warmer climate gives it a more sun-drenched character. Whatever the style, its unmistakable lychee, rose and spice signature comes through.

Frequently asked questions about Gewurztraminer

Is Gewurztraminer a sweet or a dry wine?

Gewurztraminer is made in both dry and sweet styles. Dry and semi-dry versions sit alongside the late-harvest Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles, which are rich, sweet wines; all of them share the grape’s signature aromas of lychee, rose and spice.

What does Gewurztraminer taste like?

Gewurztraminer is one of the most aromatic white wines, with intense notes of lychee, rose and spice. Dry styles are round and opulent, while the sweet late-harvest wines add aromas of honey and candied fruits.

What temperature should you serve Gewurztraminer?

Gewurztraminer is best served chilled, at around 10 to 12 °C. This range keeps its exuberant lychee, rose and spice aromas lively, whether the wine is dry or sweet.

What food pairs well with Gewurztraminer?

Gewurztraminer is a classic match for Alsace foie gras, sweet and sour Asian dishes and strong cheeses such as Munster. Sweet late-harvest styles suit foie gras and desserts, while dry Grand Cru bottles stand up to powerful cheeses.