The Traminer
Grape
A term often associated with Gewürztraminer, Traminer is an aromatic grape variety with a pink to red skin color. It is known for producing wines with a potent aroma profile that includes lychee, rose petals, and spices. The variety is believed to have originated in the Tramin village of South Tyrol, Italy.
Traminer
Grape History
Traminer, also known as Gewürztraminer, is a grape variety that has a rich and fascinating history dating back centuries. The origins of Traminer are believed to stem from the Tramin region in Italy, where it is thought to have been cultivated by the Cistercian monks in the 11th century. The grape eventually spread to the Alsace region of France and then to other wine regions around the world.
One interesting fact about the Traminer grape is its unique aromatic profile. It is known for its intense and complex aromas, which can include notes of lychee, rose petals, spice, and tropical fruits. These distinctive aromas make Traminer wines easily recognizable and highly sought after by wine enthusiasts.
Traminer is typically grown in cooler climate regions, where it can fully develop its flavors while maintaining its acidity. It thrives in regions such as Alsace, Germany, Austria, and New Zealand. In recent years, Traminer has also been planted in regions like California and Oregon, where winemakers are experimenting with this expressive grape variety.
Traminer is primarily used to produce varietal wines, meaning wines made primarily from the Traminer grape with little to no blending with other grape varieties. Gewürztraminer wines are known for their full body, rich texture, and exotic aromas. These wines are often enjoyed on their own or paired with spicy Asian dishes, cheeses, and desserts.
The projected future of the Traminer grape variety looks promising, as consumer interest in aromatic and unique wines continues to grow. Winemakers are increasingly recognizing the potential of Traminer to produce high-quality wines that stand out in a crowded market. With advancements in viticultural practices and winemaking techniques, the future of Traminer wines is bright.
In conclusion, Traminer is a grape variety with a long and storied history, unique aromas, and a promising future in the world of wine. Its ability to produce distinctive and expressive wines makes it a favorite among wine lovers and a grape variety worth exploring further.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel