Gewürztraminer

Also known as: Traminer (Germany, Austria), Savagnin rosé (Jura), Tramín červený (Czech Republic)

Gewürztraminer demands dedication. Those who vinify it dry risk bitter phenolics; those who allow residual sugar must balance it with acidity – which Traminer naturally lacks. The result is often polarising: perfumed, opulent, loud. Or simply magnificent.

In Alsace, they have centuries of experience with this idiosyncratic variety. The pink berry skin provides colour and tannin, the aromas are unmistakable: rose blossom, lychee, ginger, sometimes smoky-spicy. The name comes from the South Tyrolean village of Tramin, where the variety has been documented since the Middle Ages.

Zind-Humbrecht demonstrates the full spectrum – from the mineral Rangen to the opulent Clos Windsbuhl. Weinbach vinifies with precision and restraint, Albert Mann brings biodynamic depth. In the Pfalz, Odinstal is working on a leaner, less opulent interpretation.