If you appreciate wines exuberant to exotic flavors , Gewurztraminer is most likely made for you! A key grape variety in the Alsatian vineyard, it is too often limited to the sole image of sweet wine . However, this variety has much more to offer us...
Hence the Gewurztraminer is it from? What types of wine can it produce? What to expect when tasting it? What dishes should it be paired with?
So many questions that you will find answers to in this article!
Origins and culture of the Gewurztraminer
Gewurztraminer is none other than the pink and aromatic variety of White Savagnin , a grape variety that is now very present in the Jura and in particular allowing the production of the famous Vin jaune. This is also the direct descendant of an old grape variety from the Middle Ages: Traminer rose (or Savagnin rose). The two varieties have also long been confused, their characteristics being essentially the same, apart from a more aromatic character for Gewurztraminer.
Etymologically, the word "Gewurztraminer" is split into two parts: Gewürz meaning "spice" and Traminer , referring to the town of Tramin located in South Tyrol (or Alto Adige), in the North-East of Italy. Because yes, despite its name with similar consonances Germanic, it is indeed of this Italian province (where German is spoken) that the grape variety would originate!
The cold climate of this region being quite similar to that of Germany and Alsace, Gewurztraminer would have subsequently spread to these regions with good results. Moreover, it was only during the 19th century that the Alsatians gave it its current name.
Thus, if Gewurzt' already had a significant presence in Alsace in early 16th century , it is not that from 1870 that it began to develop significantly there. Today, he represents it 2,500 hectares , either 16% of the vineyard , and is the second most widespread variety in the region after the Riesling .
Outside Alsace, Gewurztraminer is very little present in the rest of the French vineyard There are only about a hundred hectares of them in the Languedoc as well as a handle in the Loire .
Finally, on a global scale, this represents 14,000 hectares and is notably present in Germany (around 800 hectares), Italy, Austria, Switzerland, New Zealand and California.
Types of Gewurztraminer wine
Because of his great wealth aromatic , Gewurzt' is often identified as a sweet wine. However, let it be said, the majority of wines made from this grape variety are of the white wines dry , that is to say containing At maximum 4g/L of residual sugars (only 3g in a bottle).
However, this grape variety has the extraordinary quality of also allowing the production of wines semi-dry (4 to 12g/L of residual sugars), soft (between 12 and 45g/L) as well as sweet (+ 45g/L).
In Alsace, the mentions Late Harvest (VT) and Selection of Noble Grains (SGN) both correspond to sweet and liqueur wines:
- For the Late Harvest , the grapes are harvested when overripe so that they are full of sugars (257g/L minimum at the time of harvest...and therefore before fermentation of course).
- For the Selection of Noble Grains , this is also the case but the berries here must be botrytized (noble rot) and possess an even higher sugar concentration (306g/L minimum at harvest time!). As a reminder, botrytis is a microscopic fungus cracking the skin of the grapes, leading to evaporation of water and a concentration of sugars and acids in the berries.
As you will have understood, Gewurzt' is capable of producing very different white wines in terms of sweetness, and consequently in terms of aroma.
The aromas of Gewurztraminer
Regardless of the level of sweetness, Gewurztraminer wines have this in common: they are characterized by a great delicacy and a beautiful aromatic exuberance . More than 500 aromatic molecules have in fact been detected in the grape variety!
So, The common markers of this are notes of exotic fruits (lychee, mango pineapple), flavors stone fruits (peach, apricot) but also a floral touch (rose, geranium). Finally, we regularly find in Gewurzt' spicy flavors (cinnamon, gingerbread, cloves etc.).
For a sweet or liqueur Gewurztraminer, other fragrances may appear such as honey, candied fruit, mirabelle plums or even dates . In the case of a Selection of Noble Grains , aromas of mushroom (botrytis) and undergrowth can even be detected!
Finally, unlike Riesling, the acidity of Gewurztraminer is much more limited. As a result, its texture in the mouth is often voluptuous and ample , this being also due to the high alcoholic potential of the grape variety.
What dishes to accompany Gewurztraminer? ?
The great richness of Gewurztraminer allows it to adapt to a myriad of dishes and cuisines.
So, a dry Gewurztraminer can be perfectly appreciated alone as an aperitif but also on seafood, fish and shellfish . THE asian cuisines (Chinese, Thai, Japanese, etc.) also pair very well with this grape variety. For example, we can think of pairings with salmon sushi, Thai fish in a banana leaf or even delicious spring rolls.
THE spicy and exotic dishes They go wonderfully well with the Gewurztraminers soft ! So don't hesitate to open a bottle of Gewurzt' with a shrimp curry in coconut milk, cod fritters or even a sea bream ceviche with mango...a treat! The foie gras is also a great possible alliance, just like some cheeses like the Roquefort, the Munster or the Maroilles .
Finally, give priority to Sweet Gewurztraminers with desserts . Fruit tarts, mango charlotte or chocolate cake will be your choice allies here.
Regarding the serving temperature , a dry, sweet or mild Gewurztraminer will be ideally enjoyed between 8-10°C . If drunk too cold, the great expressiveness of the grape variety would then be attenuated. If drunk at too high a temperature, an unpleasant heaviness could then emerge from the whole, particularly in the case of sweet and mild wines.
The best Gewurztraminers
Although it is difficult to give an exhaustive list of the best Gewurztraminers, The Illuminated Cellar offers you here a fine selection of this grape variety exclusively from Alsace. From the pleasure of Gewurztraminer to the great wine for laying down , there are some for all tastes and budgets !
- Mittnacht Brothers Estate - Alsace - Gewurztraminer moelleux Les Terres blanches
- Domain Boehler - Alsace - Saint-Georges sweet Gewurztraminer
- Domain Barmès-Buecher - Alsace Grand Cru - Steingrubler sweet Gewurztraminer
Here you are Now you are an expert in Gewurztraminer, all you have to do is enjoy its delicious treat! Health !
