Gewurztraminer is aromatic and sometimes referred to as Gewurz to simplify miss pronouncing the original word. The grapes grow well in cooler climates and the name means spice traminer. Traminer is a variety of grape that takes its name from a village in Northern Italy, named Tramin, which spoke German. First appearing around the 19th century, the green skinned grape believed to be a relative of sauvignon blanc and Voigner, mutated into a pink skinned grape called red traminer or sauvignon rose. The thick, tough skin can contain very high concentrated sugar levels which can lead to higher alcohol levels. Somehow, throughout history it wound up to be the Gewurztraminer we know today. The characteristics of these grapes can range from dark pink, dark to light, golden, yellow copper tone coloring with full bodied more than other white wines. The aromatics and sweetness of these wines depend on when they are harvested. Gewurztraminer is very difficult to grow and is very susceptible to frost, disease, and ripens early. Gewurz is sweeter than riesling, thick and rich with great aging ability. It pairs well with seasoned spicy dishes like Mexican, Asian and could even be a dessert wine served chilled. The aromas of Gewurztraminer are similar to the lychee juice and share many of the same chemical compounds.