7 facts about this not-so-easy-to-pronounce grape variety

Why does Tűzkő Estate use the German name on the label, even though it is so hard to pronounce? Well, we were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, German language is close to us. And, do you think the Hungarian word would be easier to say?

1) Gewürtztraminer is Fűszeres Tramini in Hungarian, meaning “Spicy Tramini”. We also use the term Piros Tramini or we call it simply Tramini.

2) Gewürztraminer was first mentioned under this name by the German university gardener Johann Christian Metzger in 1827 as a rare variety from the Rheingau (source: Wein.Plus).

3) Traminer and Gewürztraminer are close relatives, but they are not identical. The main difference is that Gewürztraminer has more of the spicy musk note (musqué). “One of the most headily and distinctively aromatic varietals of all with strong lychee flavours and high alcohol levels.” (Excerpt from Wine Grapes by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding and José Vouillamoz.)

4) Gewürztraminer is the most planted variant of Traminer. It is grown in France (mostly in Alsace), Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Austria, The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine and obviously in Hungary. And it is also grown as far as some states of the US (California, Oregon, Washington. Michigan, New York), and also in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa – and guess what, in Japan and Israel.

5) Rose petals, lychees, bitter orange, marzipan and the above-mentioned musk are the most typical notes of a Gewürtztraminer. Usually, it is full bodied and quite high in alcohol. In good years with proper yield-control it has a significant ageing potential.

6) Tűzkő Estate is located in Tolna wine region, owned by the Italian Antonori and Mazzei families. It is one of the few recommended wineries under the title Gewürztraminer in the book called Wine Grapes. The grape for their Tűzkő Gewürtztraminer 2023 came from Bátaapáti and Mőcsény vinayards. The carefully selected bunches were destemmed and soaked for 6–8 hours, pressed gently and then fermented in stainless steel tanks at 16 °C for 12–14 days. The alcohol is moderate here for the variety, only 12.5%. Acidity: 6 g/l, residual sugar: 5.9 g/L. Intense peach, tangerine, grapefruit and rose petals. Lovely to drink.
Now for only 1000 HUF (less than 3 EUR) from the winery webshop!

7) In a recent post Tűzkő paired Gewürztraminer with Mediterranean chicken, since it “goes perfectly with the wine enhancing its flavours, plus it is a truly summer dish”. The chicken is marinated in olive oil, lemon zest and lemon juice, then roasted until golden with some rosemary and garlic. Garnished with grilled vegetables or couscous.

Read more about Tűzkő Estate

Tűzkő Estate

Tűzkő wines are available in several countries. If you are interested in importing Tűzkő wines, contact Bulcsú Ősi director of sales and marketing.

An earlier article about Dr Árpád Erdélyi estate manager

Wine of the Week: Tűzkő Kékfrankos Selection