Traminette Background History
Updated 04/06/2007
Traminette was released by Cornell University in 1996. It is a hybrid of Joannes Seyve 23-416 and Gewürztraminer (Formerly NY65.0533.13) and is distinguished by its superior wine quality combined with good productivity, partial resistance to several fungal diseases, and moderate cold hardiness. While bud hardiness is good, trunk injury is occasionally a problem, especially on heavier soils. Bud break is late and fruit ripens late mid-season. Fruit quality is excellent with a good balance between sugar, acidity, and pH. Wines are distinctively spicy and fragrant, much like the Gewurztraminer parent. Skin contact for 12 to 48 hours helps to enhance the desirable spicy flavor and floral aromas. (formerly NY65.0533.13) - (JS 23-416 x Gewürztraminer )
Origin
'Traminette' resulted from the cross, Joannes Seyve 23.416 x 'Gewürztraminer'.. This cross was made in 1965 by H.C. Barrett, then of the University of Illinois, with the intention of producing a large clustered table grape with the flavor of 'Gewürztraminer'. Seed from the cross were sent to Cornell's grape breeding program where they were planted in 1968. Fruit were first observed in 1971 and the original vine was propagated in 1974 under the number NY65.533.13. The vine was initially described as a vigorous and productive green grape with moderately loose clusters.
Description
Own-rooted vines grown in phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch.) infested soils are productive and moderately vigorous. Annual cane pruning weights averaged 1.3 lb./vine over a 4-year period in a replicated trial at Dresden, NY Vines of Cayuga White were more productive, with higher pruning and cluster weights. At this trial, vines of 'Traminette' were planted one year later than the rest, and had to overcome compacted soil conditions. In addition, potassium deficiency was a problem; even growth and yield of 'Cayuga White' was considered to be low, in comparison with commercial yields obtained at nearby sites. In a trial at Fredonia, NY on a deep gravelly loam soil, pruning weights of three vines of 'Traminette' were comparable to control 'Melody' vines, and fruit yields were equivalent to 'Melody', approximating 7.3 tons/acre at 605 vines/acre. At Geneva, NY, on heavier, less fertile soils, vines have been adequately productive, averaging 16.1 lb./vine (4.9 tons/acre) during five years.
'Traminette' vines are moderately winter hardy at Geneva, and while bud hardiness is good, trunk injury is occasionally a problem, especially on heavier soils. 'Traminette' is considerably hardier than 'Gewürztraminer' and about as hardy as many cultivars of similar background, such as 'Seyval', 'Vidal blanc', 'Cayuga White', and 'Aurore'. Primary bud survival was measured in January, 1981, following very cold weather in December, 1980. Vines of 'Traminette' had 63% bud survival, comparable to 'De Chaunac' (70%), and better than 'Aurore' (20%), 'Melody' (23%), 'Seyval' (22%), and 'Concord' (26%). In January, 1987, differential thermal analysis (DTA, Pool et al., 1990) was used to determine the temperature at which 50% of the primary buds were killed (LT 50). LT 50 for 'Traminette' was -15.3 °F, -10.3 °F for 'Cayuga White', -10.7 °F for both 'Chardonel' and 'Melody', and -13.9 °F for 'Concord'. Trunks of 'Traminette' are susceptible to damage from low temperatures which may cause trunk splitting or provoke crown gall disease. After eight years at Dresden, NY, under commercial conditions, one of 15 (winter tender) 'Riesling' vines had trunk damage and 11 were dead, while three of 15 'Traminette' vines had trunk damage and none had died. In this same trial, vines of 'Cayuga White', 'Horizon', 'Aurore' and 'Concord' had no trunk damage while one of 15 vines of 'Vidal blanc' had trunk damage.
Flowers of 'Traminette' are perfect and self-fertile, blooming at mid-season following late bud-break. Clusters are shouldered, moderately loose, and medium in size (0.24 to 0.29 lb.). Vines average 1.7 clusters/shoot. Very little crop is borne on lateral shoots and cluster thinning is rarely necessary. The amber berries are medium sized (1.52 g/berry) and spherical.
'Traminette' ripens between 1 Oct. and 15 Oct. in New York. Juice soluble solids are usually higher and titratable acidity is usually lower than for 'Cayuga White'. The balance between sugar, acidity and pH is excellent. These data indicate that 'Traminette' can accumulate satisfactory amounts of sugar while maintaining sufficient acidity and a low pH. It does not lose acidity as quickly during ripening as does 'Cayuga White'. Wines, which were first made in 1972, have been described as distinctively spicy and fragrant, much like the 'Gewürztraminer' parent. The wine has good body and no noticeable flavors characteristic of interspecific hybrid grapes. Skin contact for 12 to 48 hours (40 o to 50 °F) helps to enhance the desirable spicy, floral aromas. Excessive bitterness due to prolonged skin contact has not been observed. Wines may be finished dry or semi-dry depending on preferred style. When the grape is fully ripe and when processed with some skin contact, the aromas of 'Traminette' are very similar to those of 'Gewürztraminer'. 'Traminette' wine differs from 'Gewürztraminer' in structure and mouthfeel; it does not have the strong fresh ground spice flavors with phenolic bitterness as is characteristic of very ripe 'Gewürztraminer'. On the other hand, it does not get the bitter taste that 'Gewürztraminer' may develop. 'Traminette' also maintains a lower, more favorable, wine pH.
Foliage and fruit are moderately resistant to powdery mildew (Uncinula necator [Schw.] Burr.), black rot (Guignardia bidwellii [Ellis] Viala & Ravaz) and Botrytis bunch rot (Botrytis cinerea Pers.). Foliage is susceptible to downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola [Berk. and Curt.] Berl. & de Toni) which can be controlled by standard commercial practices. Rupestris stem pitting virus has been found to occur in vines of 'Traminette'. It is not known whether stem pitting has a negative effect on vine growth (D. Gonsalves, personal communication); infected vines in New York trials have been observed to be as productive as adjacent uninfected vines (H. Amberg, personal communication).
Seven grower/cooperators were surveyed and five recommended the release of 'Traminette'. Two growers, one in Georgia and one in Maryland, indicated that growth was weak. Vines grafted on C. 3309 in Michigan State University trials were overly vigorous, with low productivity, excessive winter damage and crown gall (S. Howell and D. Miller, Michigan State University, personal communication). Therefore, on fertile soils, grafting of 'Traminette' is not recommended. In Missouri, vines were moderately vigorous with good productivity (M. Walsh, Southwest Missouri State University, personal communication).
In New York, three growers have indicated satisfaction with
viticultural and enological traits of 'Traminette'. It is suited to sites with
average-length growing seasons and little to moderate cold stress. 'Traminette'
is an alternative for
those wishing cold tolerance and disease resistance superior to
'Gewürztraminer', along with wine resembling 'Gewürztraminer'.
Availability
Cornell University will not apply for a plant patent on 'Traminette'. Nursery requests for cuttings may be addressed to B. Reisch. Vines will be available for sale in 1997 from Grafted Grapevine Nursery (2399 Wheat Road, Clifton Springs, NY, 14432), Double A Vineyards (10275 Christy Road, Fredonia, NY, 14063), and Evergreen Nursery (17 Southwinds Circle Suite No. 7, Washington, MO, 63090).
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`Traminette is a cross between Joannes Seyve and Gewurztraminer released by the New York Agricultural Experiment Station in 1996. Wine made from this grape is very similar to that of Gewurztraminer. This year the plant has performed very well at our Kimmel, Nebraska location. At the other locations the fruit set hasn’t been quite as good, although plant growth has been good. The poor fruit set may be attributed to climatic conditions. We are encouraged with what we have observed so far.
Traminette Vintages and Tasting Notes
Updated 04/06/2007
On these pages I'm beginning to build a listing of tasting notes gathered from the internet, other sources, and my own personal experiences. I hope as time goes on that I will be able to taste many of these vintages/labels, especially those already enjoyed by Ms. Sue Courtney (identified with a 22Aug2004 style date code in the notes) and compare taste buds. I also list other winery vintages I have yet to taste myself or have found other tasting notes for. Those identified with an * are in my cellar either awaiting uncorking, or have been and my taste impressions await inclusion in description..
Important: If you know of a Gewürztraminer wine not listed, and /or have tasting notes for the wine, or have tasting notes for a wine already listed (whether it has notes already doesn't matter), please contact me with your information. Whether you're a winery, winemaker, or just love to drink wine, please feel free to add to these listings.
Submitting Gewürztraminer Wines for Review: Wines should be submitted to
GWTRAMINER SAMPLER, W259 N9116 Hwy 164, Hartland, WI. 53029-9010, U.S.A.
There is no charge or reimbursement for wines submitted, and though all submitted wines will be tasted, I can't guarantee that this will occur, or that a review will appear on this website. For each wine submitted, please send (2) bottles, unless limited by production, then (1) bottle will be satisfactory.
Mike Reilly
Abingdon Winery Traminette - a semi-sweet wine with a hint of spice, the grape is a cross between Gewurtztraminer and Seyve. $9.50
APPALACHIAN AUTUMN-a semi-sweet blush wine made from red Chambourcin grapes and white Traminette grapes. $8.00
AmRhein Wine Cellars 2003 Traminette, Bronze VA. Winegrowers Assoc.; A delightfully crisp wine featuring the flavors of pineapple and grapefruit. The acidity is balanced with the natural residual fruit sugar reminiscent of the German Spatlese style of winemaking. See also their Late Harvest Vidal Blanc - Intensely sweet tropical fruit. A touch of Traminette brings floral aromas and a hint of spice to this luscious dessert wine. Winner of 2003 Governor’s Cup.
Berryville Vineyards Traminette, NV, Illinois
Fox Ridge Vineyards & Winery Traminette 2002, Pennsylvania
Goose Watch, 2002 Traminette, Finger Lakes, New York
Illinois Traminette, $11.95, The transcendental tastes of exotic spice and honey-apricot create this semi-dry Illinois varietal. Served chilled as a compliment to oriental food, poultry or seafood entree.
Oliver Winery Traminette 2003, Indiana
Tomasello Winery Atlantic County Traminette 1999, "Winner 1999 NJ Governors Cup, Winner, Bronze Medal at the 2001 San Diego National Wine Competition " - "Traminette 1999": A delightful Gewurztraminer style white with aromatic nose and a taste that begins fruity and spicy and finishes clean and crisp.
Willowcroft Farm Vineyards Traminette 2002, Virginia
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Sources: Wine Reviews - Gewürztraminer by Sue Courtney, Last updated 19 October 2004 http://www.wineoftheweek.com/tastings/gewurz.html , and Wine Spectator, plus editor personal tasting notes.Notice: No endorsement or sponsorship of this website by any wine grower, producer, or importer has been given, or is implied. All trademarks and trade names of wines and their wine producers are the property of their respective owners or licensors.
