Gewürztraminer is one of the most renowned aromatic grape varieties, originating from the Tramin (Termeno) area in Alto Adige. However, French ampelographers suggest it might hail from Jura as a sub-variety of the local Savagnin. This grape has two main types: Traminer and Aromatic Traminer, the latter better known as Gewürztraminer, literally meaning aromatic (or spicy) wine from Termeno. The distinction between the two lies in the “content” of aromas. In Italy, the grape is cultivated mainly in Alto Adige, to a lesser extent in Trentino, and rarely in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Outside Italy, it can primarily be found in Alsace and the Rhine Valley.
A good Gewürztraminer comes from old vineyards located at higher altitudes in areas with significant temperature variations. One of its characteristics is its ability to age well. At full maturity, it develops aromas of fruit (fig), jam, spices (cinnamon, cloves, ginger), and an intense scent of dried rose.
Most of the Gewürztraminers you’ll find in the list below are from Alto Adige, and they all reached our finals, earning Due Bicchieri Rossi (Two Red Glasses) for their outstanding quality. These wines showcase the strong bond between winemaker, territory, and grape variety—a feature reaffirmed every year in this region’s exceptional wine production. This year, 24 Gewürztraminer labels from Alto Adige were awarded, reflecting the rich complexity of the region’s winemaking system.
In Alto Adige, diverse production realities coexist harmoniously, ranging from winemakers who vinify grapes from a few hectares to large cooperative structures and historical companies. These are complemented by smaller wineries that contribute their grapes to the mix. Despite these differences, the care with which vineyards are managed and the attention to cellar operations remain consistent, aiming to produce wines that convey the brilliance of the region.
As for Trentino, where two Gewürztraminers (from Klinger and Mezzacorona) reached the finals, it’s worth noting that the region is no longer synonymous solely with great sparkling wines like Trentodoc. Trentino also boasts a solid production of still wines, demonstrating the region’s multifaceted winemaking capabilities.
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The year spent maturing in the cellar allowed the Gewürztraminer Kastelaz '22 to gain depth and complexity, offering a bouquet that spans from rose to spices, exotic fruit to toasted hazelnuts. On the palate, it reveals rare harmony, with a juicy and elegant finish. It claimed the top spot on our podium, earning Tre Bicchieri (Three Glasses).
Julia and Karoline Walch have taken the reins of the winery founded by their mother Elena in the 1980s and are steering it confidently toward new challenges. Few wineries can boast vineyards in such exceptional locations as Castel Ringberg and Kastelaz, slopes where each grape variety finds its ideal habitat. The modern winery on Via Hofer produces wines of unwavering quality.
The Gewürztraminer '23 introduces a new style for this typical Alto Adige grape, forgoing aromatic explosiveness in favour of greater finesse and delicacy, resulting in a harmonious and gradual flavour journey.
The Pochi-Salorno wine area overlooks the Adige Valley like a large vineyard terrace, shielded by forests and mountains and basking in sunlight until late afternoon. Here, Steinhaus, owned by the Gussalli Beretta family, manages nine hectares at about 600 metres above sea level, growing Pinot Nero, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, and Sauvignon, which are crafted into a range of outstanding wines.
The flagship for Tenuta Ritterhof remains Gewürztraminer, with multiple interpretations culminating in the Auratus '23. The nose reveals distinct notes of exotic fruit and spices, with a subtle citrus nuance adding freshness. On the palate, the grape’s richness is perfectly expressed, with a full and lingering finish.
Located near the centre of Caldaro, the Roner family’s winery offers stunning views of a vast vineyard descending toward the lake. Their expansive vineyard holdings are centred in Oltradige, with additional sites in Bassa Atesina, Renon, and other areas.
The Gewürztraminer Brenntal '22 reveals warmth in its aromatic expression, with notes of exotic fruit, candied fruit, and sweet spices, delivering a savoury and harmonious palate. The Cantina Kurtatsch cooperative manages vineyards in Bassa Atesina, ranging from 220 to 900 metres above sea level, ensuring optimal conditions for each grape variety.
The Gewürztraminer Elyònd Ris. 2021 comes from Söll, one of the most suitable areas for this type of grape. The wine opens with an intense smoky note, which gradually gives way to exotic fruit and spices, also present on the palate, where the wine reveals fullness and harmony.
Laimburg Research Centre not only supports viticulture scientifically but also produces a range of intriguing wines from vineyards throughout the region.
Cantina Tramin's Gewürztraminers include the Terminum, with sweetness perfectly balanced by savoury tension, and the Nussbaumer '22, which follows its intense aromatic expression with an elegant and lingering palate.
- A. A. Gewürztraminer V. T. Terminum 2022 - Cantina Tramin
- A. A. Gewürztraminer Nussbaumer 2022 - Cantina Tramin
The Gewürztraminer '22 from Klinger stood out in our finals for its aromatic complexity and balanced palate.
The Castel Firmian line is the flagship of Mezzacorona's production, and the Gewürztraminer '22 demonstrates aromatic complexity with an elegant and dry finish, free from excessive sweetness.
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