Müller-Thurgau

Müller-Thurgau was developed in the early 1880s and now amounts to 20% of total plantings. Depending upon the authority followed, it is thought to be a cross between either Riesling and Silvaner, or between two clones of Riesling. The advantage of this grape is that it ripens early, in September; and provided the summer has not been too wet, it is very reliable - even when autumn weather is bad. It is, however, susceptible to rot and frost damage. High in yield, it provides the backbone of the Liebfraumilch blends. It gives a wine of medium acidity, that is flowery with a hint of muscat. It is also known as Rivaner (Luxembourg) and Rizlingszilvani (Hungary).