Gewürztraminer Grape variety guide: history, French regions, taste & food pairing
Gewürztraminer is one of the most aromatic grapes in the world and a signature of Alsace, where it produces opulent, exotic white wines bursting with lychee and rose.
Learn more about Gewürztraminer
History & origins
Gewürztraminer is an aromatic, pink-skinned form of Savagnin Rose, part of the ancient Traminer family whose name is linked to the village of Tramin in South Tyrol. "Gewürz" means spice in German. It became established in Alsace and Germany during the 19th century and is today one of the four noble grapes of Alsace, eligible for Grand Cru status.
French regions & appellations
Alsace AOC, Alsace Grands Crus (such as Gloeckelberg, Kessler, Hengst and Furstentum), Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles; small plantings in Lorraine.
Taste profile
Full-bodied with low acidity and a rich, oily texture, showing lychee, rose petal, mango, pink grapefruit, ginger, cinnamon and honey; ranges from dry to lusciously sweet.
Food pairing
Munster cheese, foie gras, spicy Thai, Indian and Chinese dishes, smoked salmon, Moroccan tagines, roast duck with fruit and pain d'épices.
Where Gewürztraminer grows in France
Wine regions: Alsace
Appellations: Alsace