Wines
Gewurztraminer
Wine style and varietal guide
Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamSuggest a correction
- White
- White • Medium
- 10–13% ABV
- Medium body
- Medium sweetness
- medium-high acidity
Is this for me?
Choose this if…
- ✓You prefer smooth, approachable wines with soft tannins.
Skip if…
- ✗You want a structured, grippy red wine.
At a Glance
10–13%ABV
MediumSweetness
medium-highAcidity
LowTannin
MediumBody
10°CServe
Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →
On this page
What is Gewurztraminer?
A full-bodied white wine with high alcohol content and flavors of lychee, rose, and spice.
Taste profile
Medium sweetnessmedium-high acidityLow tanninsMedium bodyTropical FruitFloralSpicyFull Bodied
Sensory profile
BodyLight – Full
DrynessSweet – Bone dry
TanninSoft – Grippy
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
- Style: White
- ABV range: 10–13%
- Medium body
- Medium sweetness
- Body
- Medium
- Sweetness
- Medium
- Acidity
- medium-high
- Tannin
- Low
- Tropical Fruit · medium intensity — Gewurztraminer can show tropical fruit character.
- Floral · high intensity — Gewurztraminer is strongly associated with floral aromatics.
- Spicy · medium intensity — Gewurztraminer commonly has spice-like aromatic character.
- Full Bodied · low intensity — Gewurztraminer is often fuller-bodied for a white wine.
Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.
Grape & region
- Grape varieties
- Gewürztraminer
- Region(s)
- Alsace, Germany, Austria
- Country
- France / Germany / International
- Sweetness
- Medium
How to serve
- Serving temperature
- 10°C
- Glassware
- White wine glass
Food pairings
- Cheese
- Cheese Board
- Indian Food
- Thai Food
- Pork
- Spicy Food
When to serve
DessertSweet wine fansWhite
- Best with Cheese
- Best with Cheese Board
- Best with Indian Food
- Tropical Fruit
- Floral
Dietary
How Gewurztraminer fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
Also known as
Gewurz (common_short_name)
Alternatives to try
Reviewed style alternatives
- Chenin BlancBoth white styles; similar sweetness (medium); medium body.
- ViognierBoth white styles; similar sweetness (medium); medium body.
- RieslingBoth white styles; similar sweetness (medium).
- ChardonnayBoth white styles; similar sweetness (medium); medium body.
- MuscatBoth white styles; medium body; shared floral notes.
Style alternatives preserve drink-family context but can change sweetness, acidity, bitterness, body, aroma or alcohol range.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Gewurztraminer?
- A full-bodied white wine with high alcohol content and flavors of lychee, rose, and spice.
- What does Gewurztraminer taste like?
- Gewurztraminer is often described as Tropical Fruit, Floral, Spicy, Full Bodied. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
- What foods pair with Gewurztraminer?
- Gewurztraminer pairs well with Cheese, Cheese Board, Indian Food, Thai Food. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
- How strong is Gewurztraminer?
- Gewurztraminer typically has an ABV of 10–13%. Strength varies by producer and vintage.
- When should I drink Gewurztraminer?
- Gewurztraminer works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
- What wines are similar to Gewurztraminer?
- If you enjoy Gewurztraminer, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
- Does Gewurztraminer improve with age?
- Cellaring potential for Gewurztraminer depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
- How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
- If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare Gewurztraminer with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.
Last updated
Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.