Gramona Gessami

Gramona Gessami is a biodynamic aromatic white wine from Penedès, Spain, bottled at 11% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Built on a distinctive three-grape blend of Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer, this bottling takes its name from the Catalan word for jasmine — a fitting signal for what unfolds in the glass. The 2016 vintage earned a Bronze Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11%  |  Origin: Penedès, Spain  |  Aromatic White Blend  |  Producer: Gramona

Production & Heritage

Gramona is a family-owned estate founded in 1881 in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, the heartland of Penedès, now stewarded by the fifth generation of the Gramona family. The estate farms its vineyards under certified organic and biodynamic principles. Gessami's blend — 35% Muscat de Frontignan, 15% Muscat of Alexandria, 35% Sauvignon Blanc, and 15% Gewürztraminer — undergoes cold maceration at 10°C before pressing to extract maximum aromatics from the skins. Fermentation takes place at a controlled 13–15°C and is deliberately arrested by cold, preserving approximately 6 g/L of residual sugar that lends the wine its gentle off-dry character without masking its acidity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Immediately expressive with jasmine, orange blossom, and rose petal, layered over subtler notes of anise and chamomile tea. The aromatic intensity is striking yet refined, a direct result of the extended cold maceration.

Taste: The entry is silky and light-bodied, giving way to flavors of ripe peach, pineapple, and table grape at mid-palate. A citric freshness threads through the fruit, and the touch of residual sugar is balanced by a fantastic, mouth-watering acidity that keeps everything lively and precise.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering white floral notes and a clean citrus lift. The aftertaste is refreshing rather than sweet, leaving behind a gentle impression of chamomile and stone fruit.

How to Drink Gessami

Serve well chilled, around 6–8°C, to let its aromatics unfold gradually as the wine opens in the glass. Gessami is a natural aperitif wine, but its versatility extends to several cocktails. A White Wine Spritz built with Gessami, soda, and a dash of elderflower liqueur showcases its floral character. It also works beautifully in a Spanish Sangria Blanca, where its Muscat-driven perfume amplifies fresh fruit garnishes. For a minimal-intervention serve, try a simple Wine Cooler with sparkling water and a sprig of fresh mint, letting the wine's natural aromatics do the work.

Best For

• Summer entertaining and warm-weather dining on the patio
• Introducing a wine-curious friend to aromatic white varieties
• Pairing with Southeast Asian or Mediterranean seafood dishes
• A thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys off-dry, food-friendly whites

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Gessami taste like? Gessami delivers pronounced jasmine and orange blossom aromatics leading into peach, pineapple, and citrus flavors on a silky, light-bodied palate. A touch of residual sugar is kept in check by bright, refreshing acidity.

How does Gessami compare to Torres Viña Esmeralda? Both are aromatic Penedès whites featuring Muscat and Gewürztraminer, but Gessami incorporates 35% Sauvignon Blanc, which contributes sharper acidity and a citric edge that Viña Esmeralda's softer, more fruit-forward profile does not emphasize. Gessami is also produced under biodynamic farming, a distinction Torres does not apply to Viña Esmeralda.

Is Gessami good for beginners? Absolutely — its aromatic intensity and gentle off-dry sweetness make it one of the most approachable and expressive white wines in the Penedès region. It serves as an excellent gateway into aromatic grape varieties like Muscat and Gewürztraminer.

Where is Gessami made? Gessami is produced by Gramona, a family estate established in 1881 in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia within the Penedès denomination of origin in Catalonia, northeastern Spain.

What foods pair well with Gessami? Thai green curry benefits from the wine's floral sweetness balancing the heat. Seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc echo the wine's peach and citrus notes. Fresh goat cheese and its tangy acidity complement the residual sugar. Sushi and sashimi find a harmonious partner in the wine's clean, light body. Seasonal fruit tarts mirror the stone-fruit character without overwhelming the palate.

What sizes does Gessami come in? Gramona Gessami is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Gessami worth the price? Gessami positions as an accessible, entry-level expression from one of Penedès' most respected family estates, offering biodynamic credentials and a complex three-grape blend at a price point well below most organic aromatic whites from comparable European regions.

Why Gessami?

What separates Gessami from the crowded field of aromatic white wines is the deliberate cold maceration at 10°C — a step that extracts aromatic complexity without bitterness or phenolic weight. The three-grape blend is unusual in Penedès, combining the perfume of two Muscat clones with Sauvignon Blanc's structure and Gewürztraminer's spice. Add certified biodynamic viticulture from a fifth-generation family estate with over 140 years of winemaking history, and the result is a wine that punches well above its weight class. It sits in a rare middle ground: rounder than a lean Sauvignon Blanc, yet far more refreshing than a full-bodied Chardonnay.