Gewuerztraminer Wines – An Expressive Aromatic Variety

Gewuerztraminer is one of the classic white grape varieties, although today it is cultivated comparatively rarely. In Germany it has been documented since the 16th century and is considered one of the oldest cultivated grape varieties in Europe.

Internationally, the variety is also known as Traminer, Roter Traminer, Savagnin Rose or, in Italy, Traminer Aromatico.

Gewuerztraminer is characterised by its pronounced spicy aromatics with floral and fruity nuances. Notes of rose petals, exotic fruits or spices are frequently found. The wines show a golden-yellow colour and a dense, powerful structure.

The intense aromatics and the noble rose fragrance make Gewuerztraminer a true wine for enthusiasts. Its admirers appreciate the expressive style of the wines, while for others they may appear rather intense.

We deliberately vinify Gewuerztraminer with residual sweetness, as the sweetness carries the aromatics harmoniously and highlights the spicy character.

At the table, Gewuerztraminer pairs particularly well with spicy meat dishes, pâtés, sweet-and-sour preparations and strong cheeses. When produced in sweeter styles, it also accompanies desserts very pleasantly.

Gewuerztraminer Sites at Weingut Fuchs

Our Gewuerztraminer vines grow in carefully selected, particularly warm and sheltered sites on both sides of the “border” between Rheinhessen and the Palatinate.

In the Rheinhessen part of the estate they are planted at a sunny, warm site in the Dalsheimer Sauloch. In the Zellertal they thrive on a higher-lying south-facing slope. Both locations allow for a long ripening period and ensure the reliable development of the variety’s typical aromatics.

Origin of Gewuerztraminer

Gewuerztraminer probably originated in Greece, from where it was spread by the Romans first to Italy and later to Central Europe. Another theory suggests that the variety may have come from the South Tyrolean village of Tramin, where it was already supplied to monasteries as sacramental wine in the 15th century. Researchers are not entirely agreed on its exact origin.

In Germany, Traminer has been documented since the 16th century through historical recommendations for planting this variety. It is highly likely, however, that it had already been cultivated in our region much earlier.

Characteristics of the Variety

This high-quality grape variety places extremely high demands on site, climate and vineyard management. Only the very best vineyard sites are suitable for Gewuerztraminer, as it reaches full ripeness and develops its distinctive aromatics only under optimal conditions and with very low yields.

Gewuerztraminer vines bud late and flower late as well, requiring a long growing season to ripen fully. As a result, we harvest them each year among the last varieties, roughly at the same time as Riesling.

The grape clusters are small and compact. The berries have thick skins with a striking pink to reddish-orange colour and well-developed seeds. When fully ripe, they produce aromatic, extract-rich white wines with a distinctive bouquet.

A Rare Speciality

According to the German Wine Institute, Gewuerztraminer accounts for less than 1% of the vineyard area in Germany. The variety is therefore considered a genuine speciality and is mainly cultivated by wineries that deliberately focus on characterful aromatic grape varieties.