Müller-Thurgau (Rivaner)
Müller-Thurgau, the world’s most successful new variety of a white grape, is represented in almost all German growing regions.
Cultivation
Müller-Thurgau vines can be found in almost all German wine-growing regions. Approximately 3,950 hectares* are cultivated in Rheinhessen, of which 8.5 hectares* are currently grown in Harxheim. The hectare yield regulation has had a very positive effect on the quality of the wines in Müller-Thurgau, which actually achieves very high yields.
Place value
The white wine variety Müller-Thurgau makes very few demands on the site, is relatively insensitive during flowering and is a variety that has a very early maturity. The vine likes sites that are somewhat cooler, but also soils rich in nutrients. A disadvantage is the high sensitivity to winter frost. The Müller-Thurgau always achieves high yields. The real quality potential is achieved with reduced pruning of the vine in spring.
Müller-Thurgau (Rivaner)
Image source: Marion Schenk
Müller-Thurgau in the line
Image source: Marion Schenk
History
Professor Herrmann Müller, who came from the Swiss canton of Thurgau, developed this variety. It took from 1882 – 1903 until the first revenue plant existed. This development began in Geisenheim and continued in Wädenswill, Switzerland. Müller-Thurgau is also known as Rivaner, because for a long time it was thought that Riesling and Silvaner were the two original vines of this grape variety. As early as 1957, it was possible to prove that the Silvaner genetic material was missing. Recent genetic studies have shown that Müller-Thurgau is a cross between the Riesling and Madeleine Royal vines.
Vinification
The drinkable wines produced from Müller-Thurgau vines are rather simple in taste and are popular for their harmonious character. The wines have a fine fruity muscat aroma and a very mild acidity. They are almost always aged in stainless steel tanks, where it is possible to preserve the varietal aroma and freshness of these wines. Müller-Thurgau is usually vinified dry or as a residual sweet quality wine.
Pleasure
The wines are of a light to pale yellow color. They harmonize very well with dishes that are slightly aromatic, but also spicy and hearty dishes can be accompanied with this wine. Well-made Müller-Thurgau wines smell of green apple, lemon, lime, passion fruit, mango or black currant, but also the aromas of green bell pepper, nutmeg or mint can be found in this wine.
Müller-Thurgau: Young shoots
Image source: Marion Schenk
Müller-Thurgau in growth
Image source: Marion Schenk
As of 27.12.2022: Rheinhessenwein e. V. 2022 https://www.rheinhessen.de/mueller-thurgau
German Wine Institute 2022 White grape varieties Müller-Thurgau, Müller-Thurgau 2022, https://www.deutscheweine.de/wissen/rebsorten/weisse-rebsorten/mueller-thurgau/
Wikipedia 2022 https://www.deutscheweine.de/wissen/rebsorten/weisse-rebsorten/mueller-thurgau/
Chamber of Agriculture Rhineland-Palatinate, EU vineyard register, status 2022
