Gewurztraminer, Alsace’s white grape variety

Gewurztraminer is a pink grape variety from the Traminer family. In France, the grape variety is mainly grown in the Alsace vineyards, producing a must that is very rich in sugar, but sometimes lacking in acidity. It is known as a vigorous variety but is very sensitive to coulure and has low yields.

Many Gewurztraminer winemakers try to make the most of it by allowing it to be attacked by noble rot in favorable years, or by growing it on old vines. These techniques make it very sweet, which is what makes it so famous and has shaped its food and wine pairings.

Vinifiable as a dry or sweet white wine, it offers highly captivating aromas and marked notes of rose or lychee. Enjoy it with Alsatian cheeses like Munster, or spicy Indian or Asian dishes like coconut milk chicken or ginger chicken.

In Alsace, Gewurztraminer has benefited from an appellation d’origine contrôlée since 1962, and can be vinified under the appellation AOC Alsace Grand Cru Gewurztraminer. This generic appellation is made up of 51 sub-appellations spread over 47 communes, which account for the most prestigious vintages produced in the region with this grape variety.

Gewurztraminer can also be awarded the “Vendanges tardives”, “Sélection de grains nobles” and “Vieilles vignes” labels.

Growing on old vines

A certain general conviction that old vines, when well cultivated and their grapes well vinified, produce the best wines has led many winemakers to cultivate plots of land with old vines.

In terms of terminology, a vine is considered to be ageing from 30 to 45 years of age (it can produce wine up to 120 years of age in theory).

Gewurztraminer is one of the grape varieties that thrives when grown on old vines, with lower yields but more concentrated and complex grapes. As a result, the wines produced have more aroma and flavor. Their shelf life can also be extended.