Gewurztraminer is a pink colored wine grape with small berries which produces highly flavorful and spicy white wines with hallmark scents of lychees. Originally found in Pfalz, it has since been propagated in most of the world's coolest winegrowing regions, showing particular success in Alsace. The name means "spicy traminer," and it is probably a clone of the less flavorful "Traminer." The two names are distinguished from each other less and less so that they now are used more or less synonomously. Although the grape skin is noticeably pinkish, there is not enough pigment in most clones of Gewurztraminer to produce rose colored wine. Even if a winemaker notices a natural pinkish cast in a new Gewurztraminer wine, he also finds that the color quickly fades to yellowish (actually, a very dilute brown) and he has a slightly darkened white wine. Gewurztraminer wines are not usually bottled bone dry, but with a small amount of residual sweetness. (Wine/Grapes)

Wines made from the Gewurztraminer grape are easy to recognize thanks to their unmistakable perfumes of lychee, yellow roses, grapefruit and ginger. In fact, it has been documented that Gewurztraminer is among the easiest varieties to recognize simply from its aromas.

While Gewurztraminer is produced in several countries, including the United States, Chile and New Zealand, is is only made into an accomplished wine in two regions: Alsace in northeastern France and Alto Adige in northeastern Italy. In fact, the town of Tramin in Alto Adige lends its name to the grape; as the word gewurz means "spicy" in German (one of the official languages in this territory), Gewurztraminer is the "spicy one from Tramin."

The dry versions from these regions are rich and spicy and should be consumed within 5-7 years of the vintage date (the Alsatian examples tend to age longer); pair them with Thai, Asian and fusion cuisine or a specialty dish such as Quiche Lorraine. Sweeter versions are made in both regions; the vendange tardives and grains nobles Gewurztraminers from Alsace can age for two or three decades and are excellent on heir own or with blue cheese or foie gras. (Wine/Grapes)