Aug 2012
Muller-Thurgau
August, 2012 Filed in: Wine varieties
Poor Muller-Thurgau. It is a grape with a questionable parentage. Dr. Herman Muller from the Swiss Canton of Thurgau, crossed Riesling with another grape to produce Muller-Thurgau. Some say Sylvaner, some say Gutedel and even others the table grape Madeline Royale. Dating back to 1882, whatever the parentage, the end result was a variety that has the intensity and complexity of Riesling and the early ripening ability of Sylvaner.
Muller-Thurgau is pronounced Moo-Lehr TURR-gow. In the early 1970’s Muller-Thurgau became the most planted grape variety. Why? It can out yield Riesling by 30%, requiring less sun but more rain. However, a particular wicked cold snap in the early 80’s decimated the Muller-Thurgau vines, while the hardier Riesling was able to withstand the cold snap. So, now Muller-Thurgau is the third most planted variety behind Riesling and Pinot Noir.
Muller Thurgau is a mild, mostly off-dry white wine with a lower acidic content than Riesling. It can be consumed younger, and is an awesome sipping wine. It can be easily combined with crispy chips, seafood and lightly-spiced chicken.
Never tried Muller-Thurgau? Bet you have without even knowing it. Muller-Thurgau is the grape variety used in the infamous Black Tower. We have two German Muller-Thurgau wine kits to tempt you, both in our Selection and World Vineyard wine kits.
Muller-Thurgau is pronounced Moo-Lehr TURR-gow. In the early 1970’s Muller-Thurgau became the most planted grape variety. Why? It can out yield Riesling by 30%, requiring less sun but more rain. However, a particular wicked cold snap in the early 80’s decimated the Muller-Thurgau vines, while the hardier Riesling was able to withstand the cold snap. So, now Muller-Thurgau is the third most planted variety behind Riesling and Pinot Noir.
Muller Thurgau is a mild, mostly off-dry white wine with a lower acidic content than Riesling. It can be consumed younger, and is an awesome sipping wine. It can be easily combined with crispy chips, seafood and lightly-spiced chicken.
Never tried Muller-Thurgau? Bet you have without even knowing it. Muller-Thurgau is the grape variety used in the infamous Black Tower. We have two German Muller-Thurgau wine kits to tempt you, both in our Selection and World Vineyard wine kits.