The Müller-Thurgau
Grape
A white grape variety created in Switzerland, a cross between Riesling and Madeleine Royale. It produces light, floral wines with moderate acidity, offering flavors of green apple, peach, and citrus. It's widely planted in Germany and parts of Italy and Eastern Europe.
Müller-Thurgau
Grape History
Müller-Thurgau is a white wine grape variety that was created in the late 19th century by Swiss botanist, Hermann Müller, who crossed Riesling with Madeleine Royale. The grape was named in his honor, with the addition of Thurgau, the region in Switzerland where Müller worked. The new grape was first introduced in 1882, and quickly gained popularity for its ability to thrive in cooler climates and produce high yields. Müller-Thurgau was originally intended to combine the aromatic qualities of Riesling with the early ripening and high productivity of Madeleine Royale.
Müller-Thurgau spread to Germany in the early 20th century and became the country's most widely planted grape variety by the 1970s. It is also cultivated in Austria, Northern Italy, New Zealand, and to a lesser extent, in other wine regions around the world.
This grape variety is often used to make easy-drinking, approachable wines that are light, fruity, and floral. It is commonly made into off-dry or semi-sweet white wines, with flavors of peach, apricot, and elderflower. These wines are typically enjoyed young and are known for their refreshing characteristics. Müller-Thurgau is also used in sparkling wines, where its fruity and floral notes add a pleasant dimension to the final product.
Despite its popularity and widespread cultivation, Müller-Thurgau has faced criticism for producing wines that lack complexity and depth compared to other grape varieties. In recent years, there has been a trend towards reducing plantings of Müller-Thurgau in favor of more prestigious grape varieties like Riesling and Chardonnay.
However, Müller-Thurgau still has its loyal supporters who appreciate its easy-drinking nature and versatility in producing a range of wine styles. In regions with cooler climates, where other grape varieties struggle to ripen, Müller-Thurgau continues to be a reliable choice for winemakers.
As for the future of Müller-Thurgau, it is likely to remain a staple in regions where it has established a strong presence, especially in Germany and Austria. Additionally, as climate change continues to affect traditional wine regions, Müller-Thurgau may become more widely planted in new areas seeking grape varieties that can thrive in cooler conditions.