Professor Müller, from Thurgau
Q: What do you get when you cross Riesling and Sylvaner?
A: Ask Dr. Müller from Thurgau
In 1882, Dr. M. of the Swiss canton Thurgau, developed this grape. Unlike many other hybrid crossings (done by both mad & sane scientists), the Müller-Thurgau grape is moderately successful. It seems however, that there is still some dispute about the actual grape-parentage:
"Dr. Muller's notes indicated the grape was a cross between Riesling and Silvaner. For 70 years, the professor's work was unquestioned. Not until 1952 did researchers begin to question Muller-Thurgau's parentage.
In 1994, DNA testing showed that Riesling is the mother plant, but the father was not Silvaner, and as unknown."
Müller-Thurgau is often described as fresh, light, low(ish) acidity, and rather simple. Schloss Castell of Franconia, Germany produces a straightforward example of this grape.
The Skinny
Schloss Castell '1224' Müller-Thurgau, '02 ($12)
- From Franconia, Germany (the easternmost wine producing region in Deutschland)
- Straw yellow in color
- Scents of green pear, citrus, and herbs
- Slightly sharp, yet quickly fading in the mouth. Light-bodied; simple & smooth. A fairly good warm weather wine
*** (3 stars out of 5)
This wine is fine by itself, and would happily accompany any number of picnic basket goodies.
There is a fair amount of M-T growing in Oregon & near the Puget Sound. Northern Italy (Trentino, Alto-Adige) also produces M-T
Correction -- Mueller Thurgau is not a hybrid (which implies interspecific crossing) but a cross (intra-specific). Both its parents are vinifera.
Posted by: Ryan | 11 April 2008 at 01:29 PM