Traminer is another one of those long-time famous sorts that has kept part of its primitive characteristics. It is valued for its extraordinary flavor, as well as the availability of a wide range of distinctions between the types, especially when it comes to flavor.
Sometimes it is called Gewürztraminer. Many aromatic, high-quality white dry, off-dry and sweet wines, as well as champagne wines are made from it.
Since it is a specially made variety, Traminer has not been planted in great quantities, with Germany having barely 1900 acres, Austria having 1700 acres, France with 6400 acres, and California with 1650 acres.
It is important to note that this is a very fickle and difficult to cultivate variety of grapes. It has small clusters and yields minimal amounts of fruit.
Gewürztraminer wine astounds with an intensive flavor, with nuances of rose and exotic fruits, a golden yellow color, high alcohol content and a relatively low acidity.
All of these develop during its aging. Wines with an exclusive sweetness are created when the fruits are infected by beneficial mold in colder climates.
The problem with Traminer (Gewürztraminer) wine is that its splendid and exotic flavor quickly overwhelms the senses. The best harvests however are not so flavorfully intrusive and are long-lasting wines.
To create a bridge between this wine and food is difficult but not impossible. There are a few possibilities. The most suitable are fruits, especially oranges, as well as tropical fruits - pineapple, mango, papaya.
With spices, it is best to work with curry, ginger, dill seeds, cinnamon or cloves. When it comes to meals, the wine goes well with onions, coconut, soya sauce or honey.
Smoked cheeses with Traminer are also another possible combination. The most highly recommended are Gouda and smoked mozzarella.
And since it is unusually capricious, Traminer is also suitable for smoked, salted and sweet foods. Whenever it is served with sweets, however, make sure that the wine itself is sweeter than they are.
Combining it with sour dishes, as well as with carefully prepared birds and seafood is unacceptable, because the wine will completely dominate in them. Whatever you serve Traminer wine with, know that it must always be served chilled.
