The Gewürztraminer Grapes Guide That Finally Explains It All

Gewurz means “spice” in German if you haven’t already known. This grape has plenty of that, which is why it’s named Gewürztraminer. The Gewürztraminer grapes have a fascinating history to them that helps them produce the wine we know today.

Gewürztraminer is one of the first wines that come to mind with spicy dishes. Whether it be Indian or Chinese, the spices in the grape complement the aromatics in the food.

So are you curious about the grapes that make the fruity and spicy wine? Read on for the fascinating details about the grapes that make Gewürztraminer delicious. 

Ever Wondered About the Specifics of Gewürztraminer’s Grapes?

What makes Gewürztraminer’s grapes special? It’s not the regular red or white grapes that you can buy from the grocery store. Instead, these grapes have their flavors, such as spice, rose petals, and more. 

The grapes have pink skin when it’s time to harvest them. The grapes are used to create a deep golden wine that is called Gewürztraminer. Grow these grapes, and they need to be grown in a cool climate with daytime averages no higher than 80 degrees (26.7 C). 

For ideal growing conditions, the nighttime temps need to be between 45-55 degrees (7.2-12.8 C). The soil needs to be well-drained, and it needs average rainfall to ensure quality grapes are grown. 

The most popular growing regions for these grapes are in Alsace. However, in recent years, there have also been other regions in the world that grow these grapes today. 

 

What grapes are in Gewürztraminer wine?

The Gewürztraminer grape is a mutation of Savagnin that is from the Pinot family. Have you been wondering where it gets its pink tinge? 

This is because Pinot has mutated itself into various grapes, including Traminer. The Roter Traminer is thought to be mutated into the grape, giving it that pink color. 

 

Can you eat Gewürztraminer grapes?

Gewürztraminer grapes are edible, but they’re meant to be enjoyed as a wine. You won’t get the full flavor you’re expecting if you are eating it right off the vine. Remember, this is not a table grape, the ones that are eaten as a fruit. 

You will get some sweetness when you eat these grapes. But they will not taste like the Gewürztraminer that you know.

 

What are the parent grapes of Gewürztraminer?

Gewürztraminer parent grapes are:

 

• Savagnin
• Traminer

 

Those two grapes are the closest to Gewürztraminer’s creation. In addition, there has been a Traminer mutation, which resulted in Roter Traminer, which is a reddish grape that’s often used in roses. 

The exact parentage is still a mystery about the Gewürztraminer grape. But we know it has a variety of mutations. The two grapes that we’ve mentioned are the closest parentage that makes this grape. 

 

Interesting Facts About Gewürztraminer Grapes

 

• Many have assumed that the grapes originated in Germany because of the name. The Gewürztraminer grapes originated in Trentino-Alto Adige in Northern Italy.
• The word “Tramin” was a village in the Northeastern part of Italy, where most of the people still spoke German.
• Alsace is in France and is one of the world’s largest Gewürztraminer wine producers.
• Gewürztraminer grapes are grown successfully in cool climates. 
• Gewürztraminer grapes bud early but ripen late.
• The grape needs excellent soil to grow in. It prefers clay-rich soil.
• The climate that the grape grows in needs hot summers for its late ripening.
• New York, Washington, and California are the top places that grow Gewürztraminer grapes in the US. 
• Gewürztraminer grapes are extremely hard to grow. Back in the day, Germans attempted to make it easier but failed.

Final Thoughts on Gewürztraminer Grapes 

Gewürztraminer grapes certainly have a fascinating history to them. They are one of the hardest grapes to grow in the world because they need exact conditions to produce quality fruit. 

But, while they are hard to grow, the grapes make delicious wine to be had with any meal or even alone.