Gewürztraminer vs Riesling: A Guide to Aromatic White Wines

Gewürztraminer vs Riesling - Explore the differences between Gewürztraminer and Riesling, two popular white wines. Learn about their origins, flavors, and best food pairings. Discover why wine enthusiasts love these aromatic wines with sweet and dry versions. Perfect for those interested in white wines, sweet wines, and dessert wines.

Gewürztraminer vs Riesling are two of the most intriguing white wines in the world, each offering a unique experience for wine enthusiasts. Gewürztraminer, believed to have originated from the town of Tramin in the Alto Adige region of northern Italy, has thrived for centuries in the foothills of the Alps and the Vosges Mountains. This highly aromatic wine is produced globally, with France, especially Alsace, being the adopted homeland of this white grape variety.

Riesling, on the other hand, is a German variety that originated in the Rhine River region. Germany remains its original home, but wonderful Riesling wines are also produced in the New World, including New Zealand and South Africa. Known for its versatility, Riesling ranges from dry to very sweet, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.

Gewürztraminer is often compared to a grown-up version of Moscato due to its intense tropical fruit and floral aromas. This white wine grape variety with pink skins, is a mutation of Savagnin, also called Traminer. It has a distinctive spicy character derived from terpenes, organic compounds that contribute to its complex fragrance. The hallmark lychee aroma of Gewürztraminer comes from linalool, an aromatic compound. The name "Gewürztraminer" itself comes from the German word “Gewürz,” meaning “spice,” highlighting its unique profile.

In contrast, Riesling's classification system is a testament to its diversity. The German classification includes various styles from Qualitätswein (dry and lighter body) to Eiswein (ultra-concentrated dessert wine made from grapes frozen on the vine). This classification showcases the broad spectrum of Riesling, from the dry Trocken to the luscious, sweet Trockenbeerenauslese. Each style offers a different experience, reflecting the wine's adaptability and wide appeal.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love These Wines
• Primary Flavors Found in Gewürztraminer vs Riesling
• Gewürztraminer vs Riesling – Wine Characteristics
• Gewürztraminer vs Riesling Wine Serving Tips
• Where are Gewürztraminer and Riesling Grapes Grown?
• Best Food Pairings with Gewürztraminer and Riesling
• Other Great Food Pairings with Gewürztraminer and Riesling
• Gewürztraminer vs Riesling: Why Choose One Over the Other?
• FAQ's

Why You Will Love These Wines

Gewürztraminer

• Gewürztraminer is renowned for its intense tropical fruit and floral aromas, making it a highly aromatic wine that delights the senses.
• This versatile white wine is available in styles ranging from dry to sweet, offering a delightful range for different preferences.
• Food pairing with this white wine offers endless possibilities. Gewürztraminer's fruity sweetness pairs perfectly with fruit salad, waffles, or quiche, making it an ideal brunch wine. Plus, it's a great value with good quality options in the $15 price range.

Riesling

• Aromatic dry white wine often overlooked in favor of Sauvignon Blanc, with distinctly floral notes and fruit flavors like lime, green apple, pear, apricot, and nectarine.
• A great choice for sipping, Riesling can be paired with different foods depending on the style, making it versatile and enjoyable for various occasions.
• You can find excellent Riesling options for less than $30, offering great value for this aromatic white wine.

Primary Flavors Found in Gewürztraminer vs Riesling

Gewürztraminer

• Lychee, Apricot, Peach: Gewürztraminer often features the exotic flavors of lychee, apricot, and peach, creating a rich and fruity profile.
• Pineapple, Melon, Ginger: In addition pineapple, melon, and a hint of ginger provides a tropical and slightly spicy touch to this highly aromatic wine.
• Rose petals, Smoke: Subtle notes of rose petals and smoke add complexity and depth, sometimes offering a slightly spritzy, oily, and bitter finish.
• Dried fruits and honey: When affected by noble rot, Gewürztraminer develops flavors of dried fruits and honey, enhancing its sweetness and richness.

Riesling

• Nectarine, mango, pineapple, grapefruit, green apple: Riesling wine from warmer climates, showcases vibrant flavors of nectarine, mango, pineapple, grapefruit, and green apple, making it a refreshing choice.
• Apple blossom, lime, melon, pear, lemon zest, mineral notes: Cooler climates Riesling wine brings out delicate notes of apple blossom, lime, melon, pear, lemon zest, and mineral undertones, emphasizing its crisp acidity.
• Sweeter wines: Honeysuckle, almond, smoke, and a distinctive petrol note are common in sweeter Riesling wine, adding a unique and memorable character.

Gewürztraminer vs Riesling – Wine Characteristics

Gewürztraminer

• Profile: Gewürztraminer can vary from a dry to a sweet wine.
• Body: It is a medium-bodied white wine with a slight pink, bronzish tinge.
• Tannins: Gewürztraminer has no tannins.
• Acidity: It has low acidity.
• Alcohol: The alcohol content ranges between 13.5% – 15%.

Riesling

• Profile: Riesling can vary from a dry to a sweet wine.
• Body: It is a light to medium-bodied white wine.
• Tannins: Riesling has no tannins.
• Acidity: It has high acidity.
• Alcohol: The alcohol content is typically less than 10.5%.

Gewürztraminer vs Riesling Wine Serving Tips

Gewürztraminer

• Temperature: Serve at 38-45ºF (3-7ºC).
• Decanting: Don’t decant.
• Glass type: White wine glass.

Riesling

• Temperature: Serve at 38-45ºF (3-7ºC).
• Decanting: Don’t decant.
• Glass type: White wine glass.

Where are Gewürztraminer and Riesling Grapes Grown?

Gewürztraminer

• France: Gewürztraminer is cultivated in the Alsace region of France.
• Italy: Gewürztraminer is widely grown in Northern Italy in the Alto Adige region.
• Germany: Baden and Pfalz are prominent regions for the Gewürztraminer grape in Germany.
• United States: In the United States the Gewürztraminer grape is grown in Oregon, Washington State, Sonoma and Monterey in California, and Finger Lakes in New York State.

Riesling

• Germany: Riesling grapes in Germany are cultivated in the Mosel Valley.
• Australia: Adelaide Hills, Eden Valley and Clare Valley are prominent regions for Riesling in Australia.
• France: In France Riesling grapes are grown in the Alsace region.

Best Food Pairings with Gewürztraminer and Riesling

Gewürztraminer

• Gewürztraminer with its naturally lower acidity and sweetness is a good choice with Spicy Thai or Indian Dishes, which are difficult to pair with more acidic or tannic wines.
• Dry or off-dry Gewürztraminer matches well with complex Asian Sauces that are usually a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and salty flavors.
• With its high alcohol content this white wine can stand up to Bold Dishes.
• Alsatian Munster is a classic cheese pairing with Gewürztraminer wine.

Riesling

• Dry Riesling wine pairs well with Shellfish and Fish, especially when prepared with Garlic and aromatic Herbs.
• Semi-dry Rieslings are excellent when paired with Bacon, Pork, and Soft Cheeses.
• Sweet Riesling wine complements Asian Spices and Creamy Desserts.

Other Great Food Pairings with Gewürztraminer and Riesling

Gewürztraminer

• Gewürztraminer wine is a good choice for Moroccan Cuisine such as Lamb and Apricot Tagine, with exotic spice, nuts, dried fruit, and roasted meat.
• Spiced Duck Leg, Duck Curry, Duck à l’Orange are all great food pairings with this wine.
• Pork chops, Roasted Ham, Wiener Schnitzel, complemented with Gewürztraminer.
• Gewürztraminer is an unexpected Thanksgiving food pairing It pairs wonderfully with Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, Sweet Potato, and Creamy Mashed Potatoes.
• It also pairs well with Sweet Roasted Vegetables like bell pepper, eggplant, squash, carrot, red onion.
• With its floral aromas and notes of ginger Gewürztraminer pairs beautifully with dishes with actual ginger and scents of rose water as ingredients. Baklava with Rosewater served with this wine enhances the wine's aromatic profile.
• Gewürztraminer dessert wines are elegant and aromatic with soft, pungent, and salty cheeses like Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola, and Boursin.
• The wine's sweetness pairs well with the fatty rich flavors of Foie Gras.

Riesling

• Quiche Lorraine is a perfect match with a dry Riesling wine.
• Light fish dishes like Grilled Sole and Smoked Angelfish Patè pair well with the crisp acidity in Riesling.
• Nachos or Indian Curry is a perfect choice to serve with a sweeter style Riesling wine.
• Both Chocolate Mousse and White Chocolate, and Salted Caramel Baked Cheesecake are great food pairings with a sweet Riesling (Eiswein). Or try it with our No Bake Cheesecake.

Gewürztraminer vs Riesling: Why Choose One Over the Other?

Gewürztraminer

Drier style Gewürztraminer is perfect for spicy food from Asia, North Africa, India, or Latin America.  It pairs well with rich and flavorsome dishes such as lobster bisque, curry or tagine. Gewürztraminer wine is a great choice to serve instead of Port.  They are powerful wines - even the sweeter versions match well with rich and flavorful dishes. 

Gewürztraminer is an aromatic wine which offers intense tropical fruit and floral aromas, making it a unique choice for adventurous palates. It is suitable for brunch, dinner, or dessert, thanks to its wide range of styles from dry to sweet.

Riesling

Riesling is adored by wine connoisseurs for its versatility, complexity and aromatic profile.  It is easy to pair with a wide variety of food as its higher acidity and wide range of styles make it compatible with many dishes.  From dry to lusciously sweet, there’s a Riesling for every palate and occasion. This wine is ideal for enjoying on its own or served with light appetizers. Excellent Riesling options are available at various price points, offering great value.

FAQ's

Gewürztraminer and Riesling each offer unique and delightful experiences for wine enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the intense tropical fruit and floral aromas of Gewürztraminer wine or the versatile and crisp acidity of Riesling wine, there is a style and pairing to suit every palate. Explore these white wines with your favorite meals or enjoy them on their own. Both sweet wines and dry versions provide endless possibilities for enhancing your dining experiences.

Try adding these aromatic wines to your next gathering and discover why they are beloved by wine lovers around the world. Share your favorite pairings and experiences with us in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more wine articles, food pairings, and recipes. 

Cheers!