Gewurztraminer: everything you need to know in a few lines

Il Gewurztraminer is without a doubt one of the iconic wines of Trentino. Its name derives from the village to which the origins of the grape variety are traced: Tramin or Termeno. Literally, Gewurztraminer means spiced wine from the village of Tramin.
Beyond Trentino, the grape variety is cultivated in Valle d'Aosta, Alsazia (likely planted by Germans), Austria, Germany (especially in the Baden and Palatinato regions), the rest of France, and the United States; recently, some have attempted to plant it in Molise.

The grape variety goes by different names around the world:

• In Germany it is known as Roter Traminer
• In Slovenia it is called Traminac
• Liwora, Pinat Cervena, and Drumin are the names used in the Czech Republic and Slovakia
• In Bulgaria it is referred to as Mala Dinka
• Rusa in Romania

The hallmark of wines derived from these grapes is their intense aromas, round and explosive. You can detect yellow and exotic fruits, often overripe.

The skin has a pinkish color, but the original variety, the Traminer, has light green skin and finer, less intense aromas.
It is a delicate grape variety to cultivate, with relatively low yields, and performs best in areas with a strong diurnal temperature variation between day and night.
Gewürztraminer is a wine that tends to develop fairly high alcohol levels, while acidity levels can be quite low.

The wines present a deep straw yellow color, a very aromatic and sweet nose; the palate is fragrant and the body is substantial. It is recommended paired with fish dishes, salads, vegan sushi, and raw vegetable crudité in general; excellent also as an aperitif. Not to be overlooked when paired with certain cheeses.

Production regulations D.O.C. Trentino

• Gewürztraminer minimum 85%; other white-berry grape varieties from the autonomous province of Bolzano may contribute up to a maximum of 15%.
• Soils: predominantly calcareous
• Maximum grape yield must be 13 t/ha
• For new plantings and replantings, vine density may not be less than 3,300 vines/ha
• The minimum natural volumetric alcohol content must be 11% vol.
• A Riserva type is provided for, where the minimum alcohol content is at least 11.5% vol., requiring aging of at least 2 years, with refinement in authorized wooden barrels
• All vinification, aging, and bottling operations must be carried out within the DOC zone