Gewürztraminer

Synonyms: gentil rosa aromática, savagnin rosa aromática (France), fleischweiner (Germany), mala dinka (Bulgary), termeno aromática (Italy), fermín rojo, traminer musqué (Spain)

Many ampelographers believe it to be a descendant of the Aminea grape, grown in northern Greece. However, its influence is based in Italy, where it is cited for the first time around the year 1000 AD as Traminer, around the town of Tramin or Tremeno, in the Upper Adige area. In the 16th century, the same variety was found in Alsace under the same name of traminer. Nowadays, the most widespread name is gewürztraminer. Gewürtz in German means spicy, a description frequently used in the tasting of many of its single-varietal wines.

Though this variety is present in many parts of the world, it reaches its maximum expression in Alsace. In Spain it can be found most frequently in Somontano, as well as Valencia and some parts of Catalonia. Its use has even spread to areas where it is not advisable to plant it, since it is a grape that likes cold climates.

The tropical lychee fruit is one of the aromas most linked to this variety. Its wines are so fruity and aromatic that, even if it is found in a lower percentage in the blend, its presence is easily noticed. In Spain, the best results are currently to be found in Aragon, specifically in the Somontano appellation.