Gewurztraminer is an aromatic wine grape variety with a pink to red skin colour, as opposed to the blue-black skinned red grape varieties, it has high natural sugar and does best in cooler climates. The name Gewurztraminer means ‘Spice Traminer’, or ‘Perfumed Traminer’.

Gewurztraminer is a difficult variety to grow as it buds early, which makes it vulnerable to spring frosts, and is liable to a range of vine infections.

Overall its vines are not especially productive, so growers often over-crop, leading to lightweight wines. Its high sugar levels can also result in high levels of alcohol, while acidity is low. But if overcome, these difficulties can produce an extremely aromatic wine, and one that is suitable for drinking with Asian cuisine - a rarity.

Gewurztraminer also goes well with cheeses and fish and chicken dishes, or even a curry.