Gewurztraminer Grape
The Gewurztraminer grape has thicker skins and is fuller-bodied than most other white varietals. The grape is pressed very lightly to avoid imparting too many tannins from the skins.
Gewurztraminer also has high sugar content and can therefore make alcoholic wines. The grape demands cool temperatures to retain enough acidity to balance the sugar. The Traminer Family is very susceptible to mutation and has many sub-varieties. These grapes grow in small, compact clusters, and are quite prone to diseases and viruses. It is generally difficult in the vineyard.
Because Gewurztraminer buds very early in the growing season, it is often damaged by spring frosts. This is magnified by the fact that the grape needs to be grown in cool, marginal climates. It is not a particularly vigorous varietal and yields are very low. Ripe grapes are a brilliant pink color. The varietal’s distinctive characteristics make it make it quite recognizable in blind tastings. It may very well have a genetic connection to Viognier.
Wines have aromas of lychees, spice, cloves, nutmeg, peach, mango and honey. They pair well with Thai cuisine, curry, chicken, and fish. Because they have low acidity, most of these wines will not age for very long. The best from Mosul will develop for five to eight years.
Gewurtztraminer has a very unique varietal aroma that separates it from other wines. Its spicy aroma arises from a molecule called 4-vinyl-guaiacol.
