Ehrenfelser

Ehrenfelser
Grape (Vitis)

The ruins of Burg Ehrenfels, from which the Ehrenfelser grape takes its name, amidst vineyards in Rüdesheim
Color of berry skin Blanc
Species Vitis vinifera
Also called Geisenheim 9-93
Origin Geisenheim, Rheingau, Germany

Ehrenfelser is a white wine grape variety of German origin. It was created by Dr. Heinrich Birk (1898-1973) at the Geisenheim Grape Breeding Institute in 1929, by crossing the varieties Riesling and Silvaner, with the identification of Silvaner being somewhat uncertain.[1][2]

Ehrenfelser is grown primarily in the Palatinate and Rheinhessen regions in Germany[3] with some experimental plantings in Washington State.[4] However, as is the case with most white German "new crosses", plantings within Germany have decreased considerably in recent years. In 2006, only 112 hectares (280 acres) of plantings remained,[5] down from 255 hectares (630 acres) in 1999.[6]

Several vineyards in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia also grow Ehrenfelser, including at least Cedar Creek, Lake Breeze, Gray Monk, Gehringer Brothers, Mount Boucherie, Quails' Gate and Summerhill. The grape tends to ripen earlier and produce higher yields than Riesling but its quality is not on par with that of this, its parent grape.

The variety normally consistently produces grapes of at least Kabinett level ripeness and tends to produce well in vineyards where Riesling has difficulties.[7]

Ehrenfelser derives its name from the Burg Ehrenfels ruins located on the Rhine near Rüdesheim.[2] It is also known under the synonym Geisenheim 9-93.[1]

Ehrenfelser was crossed with Reichensteiner to create Ehrenbreitsteiner.

References

  1. 1 2 Vitis International Variety Catalogue: Ehrenfelser, accessed on May 16, 2008
  2. 1 2 Wein-Plus Glossar: Ehrenfelser, accessed on January 22, 2013
  3. ↑ Oz Clarke Encyclopedia of Grapes pg 88 Harcourt Books 2001 ISBN 0-15-100714-4
  4. ↑ Robert Irvine & Walter Clore, The Wine Project, pg 435 Sketch Publications 1997 ISBN 0-9650834-9-7
  5. ↑ German Wine Institute: German Wine Statistics 2007-2008
  6. ↑ German Wine Institute: German Wine Statistics 2004-2005
  7. ↑ Jancis Robinson, Vines, Grapes & Wine, pg 252 Octopus Publishing 1986 ISBN 978-1-85732-999-5
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