Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer is a distinctive white grape variety, celebrated for its intensely aromatic profile bursting with lychee, rose petals, and exotic spice. While the Traminer grape has ancient roots in the Alpine village of Tramin in northern Italy, the aromatic mutation known as Gewürztraminer and its name are most closely associated with German-speaking regions further north, particularly Alsace, which is today the most iconic region for this grape, with Germany also playing an important role. Gewürztraminer typically displays a deep golden yellow color with copper or pinkish highlights, and is known for its rich, full-bodied texture, generally lower to medium acidity, and potential for higher alcohol and noticeable residual sugar. These attributes combine to offer a lush, memorable experience in the glass.

Discover new wines

Take the Quiz

Characteristics of Gewürztraminer


Gewürztraminer stands out for its unmistakable aromatic intensity, with signature scents of lychee and rose joined by stone fruits like apricot and peach, richer citrus notes, ginger, honey, and floral hints such as honeysuckle. Its deep golden color often shows copper or pinkish highlights from the grape’s unique pink skins. The wine has a full, plush texture and low to medium acidity, with residual sugar and higher alcohol often creating a sense of richness and balancing the gentle phenolic grip or bitterness on the finish. Even in drier styles, Gewürztraminer’s bold aromas and texture can make it seem sweeter than it is, making every glass memorable and inviting.

What Does Gewürztraminer Taste Like?


Gewürztraminer’s taste is deeply influenced by the climate in which it’s grown. In cooler regions or vineyards where winemakers strive for freshness, you may notice slightly higher—though still moderate—acidity, giving the wine a brighter edge while maintaining its signature richness and typically low to medium acidity.
  • Cooler Climates: Expect a bit more lift and freshness, with aromas of lychee, rose petal, and citrus notes such as grapefruit or tangerine, which can be present in Gewürztraminer from any climate but are often more pronounced here.
  • Warmer Climates: The wine leans into its full-bodied, lush side—tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, ripe stone fruits, and an unctuous, almost oily texture, often with a hint of residual sweetness, complemented by possible spice (ginger, clove) and floral or honeyed notes.
Across all styles, Gewürztraminer’s unmistakable perfume and rich mouthfeel remain its defining features, and some examples may also show a subtle bitterness or phenolic grip on the finish, adding complexity to the experience.

Notable Region Gewürztraminer Grows In


The character of Gewürztraminer is shaped by where it’s grown, with each region offering its own unique style of this aromatic varietal.
  • France (Alsace): The global benchmark, Alsace produces powerful, intensely aromatic Gewürztraminer with elevated alcohol and flavors of lychee, rose, and spice. Wines range from dry to lusciously sweet, including special styles like Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles, and often express the nuances of Grand Cru terroirs.
  • Italy (Alto Adige/Südtirol): Likely the ancestral home of the Traminer grape from which Gewürztraminer is derived, Alto Adige offers fresher, more elegant wines with bright acidity, mineral notes, and exotic spice.
  • Germany (Pfalz, Baden): These cooler regions produce drier, more restrained Gewürztraminer with subtle aromatics and a focus on structure. Some German examples are less aromatic due to plantings of Roter Traminer (Savagnin Rose), which can be mistaken for Gewürztraminer.
  • USA (California, Oregon, Washington, New York): Cooler climates like Anderson Valley, Willamette Valley, and the Finger Lakes yield lighter, floral, and spicy wines with crisp acidity, while warmer Californian and Washington sites produce richer, fuller-bodied styles.

Food Pairings


Gewürztraminer’s bold aromatics and rich texture make it an exciting partner for a wide range of flavorful dishes, especially those that highlight spice, richness, or pungency.
  • Spicy and Aromatic Asian Dishes: Gewürztraminer’s signature notes of lychee, ginger, and rose are a natural match for Thai curries with coconut milk, Indian favorites like Tikka Masala and Biryani, or Sichuan classics such as Kung Pao chicken—just be mindful to choose sweeter styles to soften chili heat, and lean drier for dishes with more aromatic spice than fiery heat.
  • Rich Poultry, Pork, and Pungent Cheeses: The wine’s full body and intensity complement roast duck, turkey with stuffing, Alsatian choucroute, and veal, while its boldness lets it stand up to assertive cheeses like Munster, Epoisses, or blue cheeses, especially when the wine has a touch of sweetness to balance saltiness and richness.
  • Sweet and Savory Indulgences: Off-dry or late-harvest Gewürztraminer shines with fruit-based desserts such as Tarte Tatin or peach cobbler, pairs beautifully with foie gras and shellfish like lobster, and even works with spiced Middle Eastern tagines, smoked foods, or sweet roasted vegetables, always ensuring the wine’s sweetness matches or exceeds that of the dish.

How to Serve Gewürztraminer


  • Serving Temperature: Chill to 50–54°F (10–12°C) for most styles. Serve lighter, drier Gewürztraminer a bit cooler (45–50°F/7–10°C), and let it warm slightly in the glass. Richer or sweeter styles show best at 52–57°F (11–14°C).
  • Glassware: Use an aromatic white wine glass or a standard white with a generous bowl to highlight Gewürztraminer’s expressive bouquet. Avoid glasses with narrow rims that restrict aromas.
  • Decanting: Not recommended. Gewürztraminer’s vibrant aromatics are best preserved without decanting or extended aeration.
  • Aging Potential: Enjoy entry-level bottles within 2–3 years. Top dry or off-dry Gewürztraminer can age 5–10 years, while late-harvest or dessert styles may evolve for decades.
  • Storage: Store at a steady 55°F (13°C) in a dark, quiet place with 50–80% humidity. Lay bottles with corks on their side; upright is fine for screw caps or synthetics.

Want to discover wines for you?

Take our quiz to see a selection of wines tailored to your tastes.

Take the Quiz