Photo by VIVC - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Description
Müller-Thurgau was bred in 1882 at Geisenheim in Germany by Professor Hermann Müller, who came from the Swiss canton of Thurgau – hence the name. It was long thought to be Riesling × Silvaner, but DNA analysis showed the second parent is Madeleine Royale. It makes mild, fresh white wines with a gentle Muscat-like, floral note that are best drunk young, and in Germany a dry style is often sold as Rivaner.
Characteristics
White wine grape; early ripening; high yielding; mild acidity; light floral, Muscat-tinged wines; also called Rivaner
Growing Tips
Müller-Thurgau is undemanding about its site and ripens early, which is exactly why it became so widely planted in cool German vineyards. It readily produces large crops, so if you want flavour rather than quantity, thin surplus bunches in early summer. Its wines are meant for drinking young, so there is no need to wait for long ripening or ageing.