Although just over 400 hectares are still produced under the name Savagnin in France today, this white wine variety is one of the most important grape varieties. This has only to a limited extent to do with the wines that are made from this variety. Rather, it is due to the fact that it was directly or indirectly involved in the creation of many grape varieties that are widespread today. These include Pinot Noir, Teinturier, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Gros Manseng, Silvaner, Roter Veltliner, Rotgipfler, Grüner Veltliner and Verdelho. In German-speaking countries, Savagnin is known as Traminer, but is rarely cultivated or has had to give way to Gewürztraminer. The origin of the variety lies in France, even if the South Tyrol region claims that the Traminer comes from the town of Tramin. However, there is no evidence of this. In addition, Savagnin has acquired many synonyms over time, of which the name Clevner is perhaps the best known. Savagnin sprouts early and ripens early. The grapes are small, as are the thick-skinned berries, which provides protection against all kinds of putrefactive diseases. Savagnin can achieve a fairly high sugar concentration and - in contrast to Gewürztraminer - maintain a decent level of acidity. In France there are still over 400 hectares under vines, the majority in the Jura region. On the one hand, the famous, very oxidative Vin Jaune is produced here from Savagnin, but today there are also modern, fruity wine styles without any oxidation. There are around 300 hectares of Savagnin under the name Traminer in Austria, for example in the Kremstal or southeast Styria. The wine styles here are very fruity. Other growing countries include Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Bulgaria and even Australia. In Canada, a few winemakers produce not only dry, fruity wine styles but also sweet ice wines from Savagnin.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Aida, Albarin Blanco, Adelfranke, Auvernat Blanc, Banc Court, Frenschen Weiss, Frentsch, Edel Traube, Dreifpeennigholz, Gelbedler, Fraenkisch, Fraentsch, Frankisch, Dreimanner, Furiant, Fromentais, Meunier Blanc, Edler Weiss, Millerantraube, Fromente Blanc, Fromentin, Paien, Gruenedl, Haida, Forment, Formentin, Fourmenteau, Naturel A Arbois, Milleran, Naturel, Formentin Blanc, Grauer Printsch, Noble Vert, Poligny, Nature Blanc, Rauschling, Heida, Heidenwein, Traminer Alb Auriu, Savagnin Vert, Traminer Bianco, Traminer Blanc, Sauvagnun, Traminer Dore, Nurnberger, Sauvoignin, Savagnien Blanc, Sauvagneux, Sauvagnien, Traminer d'Ore, Sauvanon, Savoignin, Servoignier, Weisskloevne, Viclair, Princ Bily, Weisser Gewuerztraminer, Weiss Blaue, Weiss Frenschen, Servoyen Blanc, Svenie, Tramin, Tramin Biely, Tramin Bily, Traminac Bijeli, Traminac Beli, Vigne Blanche, Weisser Traminer, Vigne du Marechal, Traminer Weiss, Traminer Weisser, Tramini Feher
