GEWURZTRAMINER | THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE ALSATIAN GRAPE VARIETY

Emblematic grape variety of France and more precisely ofAlsacethe Gewurztraminer appeals to a wide range of people thanks to its exotic, very fruity aromatic palette. Too little used in food & wine pairing Let yourself be tempted by this sweet nectar.

 

THE ORIGINS OF GEWURZTRAMINER

We all believe that Gewurztraminer comes from Alsace or Germany because of its pronunciation, but it doesn't!
Indeed, its name has a German connotation, "Gewurz" meaning "spicy" or "aromatic", describing the style of the grape variety, and "Traminer" being its town of origin, "Termeno" in northern Italy, in the Tyrol region, where Italian and German are spoken.

 

> Find your Gewurztraminer d'Alsace at the best price

 

GEWURZTRAMINER IN ALSACE

Visit Gewurztraminer is one of the 4 noble grape varieties of Alsace which are : Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Muscat.
No fewer than 3,000 hectares of Gewurztraminer are planted in Alsace, representing 20 % of the total. It is just behind Riesling, which represents 21 % of planted vines.
There are very few Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée in Alsace, and these are generally single-varietal wines. That's why we always find the name of the grape variety in its composition.
You'll find Gewurztraminer in the "AOC Alsace", "AOC Alsace Grand Cru" and, less frequently, in the "AOC Crémant d'Alsace".
There are 51 lieux-dits that can claim the appellation Alsace Grand Cruand the Gewurztraminer is present in 30 of them, mostly Grands Crus with marl or limestone soils, its preferred soils.

 

WHERE GEWURZTRAMINER IS GROWN WORLDWIDE

We find mainly the Gewurztraminer in AlsaceGewurz" is a very popular grape in Germany, but also in other countries, with varying degrees of success. Gewurz" is a capricious grape requiring special climatic conditions, and is particularly popular in Germany, where 830 hectares are planted, representing just under 1 % of German vines.
Here, it's mainly known as Gewurztraminer or Roter Traminer, but in the Baden wine region it's called Clevner.
It can also be found in Northern California, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and many other countries, but the hot climatic conditions don't allow it to get the best possible balance.
It's certainly in New Zealand that he manages to find the freshness needed to produce rich, aromatic wines that are neither too heavy nor too oily.

 

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IN THE VINEYARDS

Traminer is a vine that likes semi-continental climates, as it needs freshness to obtain the acidity necessary to preserve its aromatic palette without being too concentrated.
The vine is vigorous and reacts very well to cold winter nights, avoiding frost damage or radial cracks that can reach deep into the trunk.
On the other hand, because of its early budburst, it fears spring frosts.
The bunch is made up of small leaves and grape berries, which are often uniform and small.
When ripe, the berries are pink in color and give relatively disparate yields depending on the soil in which they are planted.
Its juice is usually rich in flavor, slightly sweet, with low acidity.

 

 

WHAT IS LATE HARVEST GEWURZTRAMINER?

Gewurztraminer also produces sweet wines. We will talk about Late harvest Gewurztraminer if the grapes have a minimum of 257 grams of sugar per liter or " selection grains nobles "If they have a minimum of 306 grams of sugar per liter.

 

GEWURZTRAMINER AROMAS

Gewurztraminer is one of the world's most aromatic grapes.
It is generally dry, but with a little residual sugar (usually less than 5 grams). On the nose, notes of exotic fruits, lychee, mangocompleted by the floral notes of rose that characterize it. In the case of late harvest or noble grape selections, aromas of stewed white fruits, quince and sweet spices appear.
A rich, powerful palette of aromas to accompany an entire meal.

 

WHAT TO EAT WITH GEWURZTRAMINER

Visit Gewurztraminer produces powerful, rich wines with exotic and spicy notes. So it's essential to pair it with richly flavored dishes. You're probably asking yourself What dish to drink Gewurztraminer with?" we will guide you:

• For example, it can be matched with white-fleshed fish or river fish served with a spicy curry sauce.
• Visit Japanese dishes also go very well together, being themselves raised.
• More traditionally, a sauerkraut will go really well with a Gewurztraminer with as little residual sugar as possible.

 

WHAT TO EAT WITH A LATE-HARVEST GEWURZTRAMINER (OR A SGN*)?

*For gourmets, there are the VT (late harvest) or the SGN (*selection grains nobles) !

• In keeping with tradition, it is possible to combine a VT with a foie gras. But be careful, in moderation, because the sweetness of the wine and the heaviness of the foie gras could get the better of you for the rest of the meal.
• These two nectars are ideal for original pairings. The cheesesThese characterful cheeses, such as blue cheeses or Munster, will be enveloped and accompanied by the wine's power and sweetness.
• For pastry lovers, our Gewurztraminer is also a solution. With chocolate cake, apricot or fig tart.

 

SOME TOP-QUALITY PRODUCERS

• Zind Humbrecht Estate

? Zind Humbrecht - Gewurztraminer Hengst Grand Cru 2016

Visit Zind Humbrecht Estate has owned the emblematic Humbrecht family of Alsace since the 17th century.

The soils of the Grand Cru Hengst bring finesse and uprightness to the wine. Gewurztraminer. It's a rich, powerful and fine wine to accompany your spicy dishes.

With its notes of white fruit, ginger and pepper, your dishes will be enhanced.

? Zind Humbrecht - Gewurztraminer Goldert Grand Cru 2007 - Sélection Grain Noble

A Burgundian terroir!
Chalky soil, on moderately sloping hillsides with an east-southeast exposure. Thanks to the lower exposure, the Gewurztraminer developed botrytis late in October, building an intense, powerful wine.

 

•  Domaine Weinbach

? Gewurztraminer Fürstentum 2018

Aged at an altitude of 300 meters, the Fürstentum plots give Gewurztraminer both power and elegance.

The family's goal Weinbach is to accompany their wines as best they can during harvesting and pressing, but to intervene as little as possible in the cellar to preserve the authenticity of the juices.

This is a complex, mineral Gewurtz. It can be drunk fresh with white-fleshed fish, but can be forgotten for a few years in the cellar.

• Domaine Trimbach

? Gewurztraminer Seigneurs Ribeaupierre 2012 - Trimbach

 

Selected and harvested at the peak of ripeness, the Gewurztraminer Cuvée des Seigneurs 2012 Ribeaupierre from Domaine Trimbach is very clear and intensely aromatic on the fresh, nobly perfumed nose, with aromas of lime and orange. Full-bodied, rich and intensely fruity, but also spicy and very mineral, this fresh, vital Gewurz is very long and stimulating thanks to its fine acidity. This is a remarkably delicate Cuvée with great ageing potential and orange aromas on the finish.

 

HOW TO STORE GEWURZTRAMINER?

Above all, remember to keep the bottle horizontal during the resting period. Keep the cork moist. Wine is a living spirit, and will change as it ages in the bottle. Ideally, keep your Gewurztraminer in a dark, well-ventilated place with ideal humidity (approx. 75%). Store the wine in a place that is neither too cool nor too warm, ideally between 8 and 10°C. Consume Gewurztraminer within 3 to 4 days of opening, so as not to miss any of its flavors. Visit great Gewurztraminer wines requires a minimum of five to six years to reach maturity. Late-harvest wines and Selections de Grains Nobles can be opened after ten to twenty years for optimal tasting. You'll notice a slight deposit of tartar, as well as very fine bubbles when you open the bottle. This gives you an important message: this wine is likely to be of great finesse.

 

Did you know? MARC D'ALSACE" Gewurztraminer brandy

To finish the meal, there's nothing like a good brandy.
Gewurztraminer eaux-de-vie have their own appellation d'origine contrôlée. Either under the AOC " Marc d'Alsace "followed by the name Gewurztraminer.
At 40° proof, this eau-de-vie is fruity and floral, with a spicy finish.

 

 

 

GEWURZTRAMINER TASTING WITH DOMAINE WEINBACH

Cathy Faller and her Gewurztraminer Furstentum cuvée Laurence du Weinbach estate. Source Youtube.