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Alsace | France

Alsace Gewurztraminer AOC Wine Guide

The most flamboyant white — exotic, heady, unmistakable

GewurztraminerServe 10–12°CAge 3–15 years
Alsace Gewurztraminer wine colour in the glass
Typical colourMedium lemon

Overview

The world's most flamboyant white wine. Gewurztraminer from Alsace — rose petals, lychee, ginger, cinnamon — is instantly identifiable. The grape's low acidity and high alcohol make it uniquely heady. Vendange Tardive versions are among the world's great sweet wines.

In The Glass

Colour
Medium lemon
Nose
Lychee, Rose petal, Mango, Ginger and Cinnamon.
Palate
The most flamboyant white — exotic, heady, unmistakable. Generally full-bodied, soft acidity, dry, with a long finish.

Tasting Profile

Body Full4/5
Tannins Silky1/5
Acidity Soft2/5
Sweetness Dry2/5
Alcohol High4/5

Grapes

Gewurztraminer

Aromas And Notes

LycheeRose petalMangoPeachPineappleGingerCinnamonSmokeVioletsHoneyMuskDried rose

Terroir

Continental, very warm — Gewurztraminer needs heat for phenolic ripeness.

Clay-limestoneMarlLoess

Food Pairings

Munster cheeseFoie grasGingerbreadAsian spiced dishesCurry

Notable Producers

  • Domaine Weinbach, founded 1612 - Gewurztraminer Cuvée Laurence
  • Marcel Deiss, founded 1949 - Altenberg de Bergheim
  • Zind-Humbrecht, founded 1620 - Gewurztraminer Hengst Grand Cru