Hallertau Mittelfrüh
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Hallertau Mittelfrüh[clarify] is a regional aroma variety of Hallertau hops, which are one of the four varieties of noble hops. The four noble hops are the central European cultivars, Hallertau, Tettnanger, Spalter, and Saaz.[1]
The Hallertau Mittelfrüh variety of hop is grown in the Hallertau region of Bavaria and is often referred to as the original German lager hop; due to susceptibility to crop disease, it was largely replaced by Hersbrucker in the 1970s and 1980s.
The aroma variety Hallertauer Mittelfrüher is the traditional Hallertau variety. Yields fluctuate as it is highly susceptible to wilt. Growing new plants on sites prone to wilt can hold risks.
The term noble hop is a traditional designation for hops grown in four areas within Bavaria or Bohemia, something like the French appellations for grapes & wine. Historically, these regions produced superior quality hops, particularly well suited for continental European style beers. Hops grown outside these regions cannot be 'Noble Hops' but nonetheless may be excellent hops. The term noble hop traditionally refers to four varieties of hop which are low in bitterness and high in aroma. (Some would say there are 5 noble hops and would include Elbe-Saal, a growing region in the former East Germany.) They contain high amounts of the hop oil humulene and low amounts of alpha acids cohumulone and adhumulone, as well as lower amounts of the harsher-tasting beta acids lupulone, colupulone, and adlupulone.
Their low relative bitterness but strong aroma are often distinguishing characteristics of European-style lager beer, such as Pilsener, Dunkel, and Oktoberfest/Märzen. In beer, they are considered aroma hops (as opposed to bittering hops); see Pilsner Urquell as a classic example of the Pilsener style, which showcases Noble hops.
As with grapes, land where the hops were grown affects the hops' characteristics. Much like Dortmunder beer may only within the EU be labelled "Dortmunder" if it has been brewed in Dortmund, Noble hops may only officially be considered "Noble" if they were grown in the areas for which the hops varieties were named.
[edit] References
3. University of Vermont Extension System Department of Plant and Soil Science Growing Hops in New England - COH 27 Leonard P. Perry, Extension Associate Professor
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