Photo by VIVC - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Description
Gewürztraminer is the pink-skinned, intensely aromatic form of the Savagnin (Traminer) grape. Its small bunches of small, pinkish berries build up plenty of sugar. In good sites they make full-bodied, generous white wines with powerful rose and lychee aromas and moderate acidity. In warm climates the perfume tends to become heavy and less elegant.
Characteristics
Pink-skinned (rosé) wine grape making white wine; small bunches and small berries; seeded; fairly high vigour; low yields; early to mid-season ripening; intense rose and lychee aromas
Growing Tips
Gewürztraminer is vigorous but shy-bearing and sensitive to poor fruit set, so cane-prune it long and don't overcrowd the canopy. In New York trials big, shaded vines ripened unevenly and lost winter hardiness. It is fussy about soil, preferring marly ground, and prone to chlorosis and stem desiccation. Because it buds and ripens relatively early, avoid frost pockets.