Gewürztraminer, with its bouquet of floral and fruity aromas, is a known aromatic white wine. Gewürz translates to “spice” in German, though perfumed may be a better descriptor. It’s found primarily in northern France’s Alsace region and is a fitting pairing to spicy foods and rich meats with fruity components.
Your first sip of Gewürztraminer is likely one you won’t forget. It’s a memorable wine thanks to its unique aromas of lychee, apricot, grapefruit, and rose petals. Many confuse its fruitiness for sweetness when, in fact, most Gewürztraminer is dry or nearly dry. A highly sought-after late-harvest version with enhanced complexity is one notable exception.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into Gewürztraminer wine, its growing region, tasting notes, serving recommendations, and of course, plenty of food pairings.
Interested in learning about other aromatic white wines? Consider reading our guides on Picpoul de Pinet, Albariño, Chardonnay or Sancerre next!
Characteristics of Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer is a white wine made from the pink-berried clone of savagnin, also known as a trainer. Hence, Gewürztraminer translates to “spicy traminer.” It grows primarily in the Alsace region of northern France, as well as the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Italy and Pfalz in Germany.
As mentioned, Gewürztraminer is a very perfumed grape. Its floral and tropical fruit elements lead many to confuse it as a sweet wine. Most Gewürztraminer is dry or mostly dry, except late-harvest, which winemakers make from grapes exposed to botrytis (“noble rot”) after harvest. These wines evoke more honeyed, spiced, and candied ginger aromas.
Most Gewürztraminer are meant to be enjoyed young when the aromas are at their peak. Exceptions are the highest-quality Grand Cru vineyards or late-harvest wines, which can often be aged for a decade plus. Over time, flavors of gingerbread, spice, and smoke develop.
Tasting Notes
Gewürztraminer is dry or nearly dry, with full body, lower acidity, and low to medium alcohol content. Because of its lower acidity, poor quality Gewürztraminer may come off as oily.
The winemakers usually age the wine on the lees (yeast from the winemaking process) and in stainless steel tanks or neutral oak to preserve its fruitiness. This allows some additional flavors of ginger and spice to develop without overpowering the wine.
The most common aromas and flavors of Gewürztraminer are rose, lychee, orange marmalade, grapefruit pith, fruit cocktail, stones, and a hint of minerality.
How to Serve
Gewürztraminer is best served in a standard white wine glass, well-chilled at around 40- 45°F. Decanting is not necessary.
The late-harvest version should be served in a dessert wine glass, chilled at around 40-50°F.
Notable Regions
The best examples of Gewürztraminer are found in Alsace, though smaller, equally delicious plantings can be found throughout Europe and in select parts of the United States. Below are some of its notable regions.
Alsace
Alsace lies in northern France along the German border, about 300 miles east of Paris. Second to Champagne, it’s France’s northernmost wine region. Despite its location, the area receives a fair bit of sun and is dry, allowing the Gewürztraminer grapes to fully ripen and become more concentrated.
Gewürztraminer (spelled Gewurztraminer, without the umlaut) made here is deep yellow, almost coppery, with intense flavor, full body, and subtle acidity. Winemakers often make vendange tardive, late-harvest wines, only in exceptional years.
Trentino-Alto Adige
Second to Alsace in Gewürztraminer is this region in northern Italy. In fact, Trentino-Alto Adige extends farther north than any other wine region in Italy. It borders the Swiss and Austrian Alps and is often described as Europe’s most beautiful wine country.
Gewürztraminer made here is equally as vibrant and concentrated as Alsace, though it’s a bit zestier, with more acidity and stonefruit flavors.
Other Regions Worth Noting
Germany- Found primarily in the Pfalz region in southern Germany along the border to Alsace. These wines are good quality, though not widely planted.
United States – Good quality plantings are found in small numbers in Washington state and is one of New York’s best-kept secrets.
Gewürztraminer Food Pairings
While having such a strong perfumed flavor might seem difficult to pair, this white wine is actually very food-friendly – if you play your cards right.
With minerality, fuller body, and flavors of citrus and stonefruit, Gewürztraminer is the perfect pairing for pork, duck, or roasted chicken, especially when served with a fruity sauce or glaze. Try it with my tangy apricot chicken or crispy pan-seared duck breasts next!
Some other favorites are spicy dishes, especially Thai food or curries. It’s the perfect pairing for my spicy honey sriracha salmon or easy chili oil noodles. Dry Gewürztraminer is also perfect at meals for Thanksgiving.
Skip lighter, acidic dishes like salads with vinaigrette or tomato sauces, which would distract and overpower the subtlety of the wine.
Whether you’re looking for a wine worthy of pairing with Thai takeout or you just want to experience an exceptional aromatic white wine, we think you’ll love Gewürztraminer. Be sure to shout out any favorite food pairings or specific wines you’ve tried and loved!
Let us know your thoughts!