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History of Gewurztraminer

The history of Gewurztraminer dates back to as far as the middle ages. The French may have achieved the greatest success with the Gewurztraminer Grape but its name is German in origin. Despite these two things, the history of Gewurztraminer actually began in Italy's Tyrollean Alps.

Looking deeper into the history of Gewurztraminer we see that, much like Pinot Noir vines, Gewurztraminer vines have a tendency to mutate. One of these mutations, which occurred a few centuries ago, resulted in a vine that produces dark, pinkish-brown spotted grapes that makes a very distinctive and heady wine. The French began to call this prized clone Traminer Musque, the Germans called it Roter Traminer and the Italians called it Traminer Rose. These names all described the same White Wine Grapes, Gewurztraminer. It was in the late 19th century that this vine became known as Gewurztraminer by the Alsatians but it took until 1973 before this name was officially sanctioned.

Throughout the history of Gewurztraminer we see that Alsace in France have achieved the most success with Gewurztraminer Wines and even here some producers give this grape less priority than other varieties. Never-the-less, it is without question that some of the greatest bottles of Gewurztraminer were crafted in Alsace where vineyards ferment the Gewurztraminer grapes to a brilliant bone dry or with just a trace of residual sugar. The most common flavors and aromas of Gewurztraminer wines are honeysuckle, litchi nuts, grapefruit, minerals, vanilla and ginger.

Looking at the history of Gewurztraminer we can also see that California has (and continues to) produce very fine Gewurztraminer wines. (see also Napa Merlot and Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon). This is especially true of the Anderson Valley, where there has been numerous fine quality Gewurztraminer wines produced over the years. (see also Gewurztraminer Wine Recommendations)