Reichensteiner grape is a white wine variety known for its robust characteristics and versatility that originates from Germany. Gained initial recognition in the late 1970s, it is a hybrid of the Müller-Thurgau, Madeleine Angevine, and Calabrese di Montenuovo grape varieties. During the process of creation, it was strategically crossed to be highly productive, providing a larger yield than some of its parental strains.
The Reichensteiner grape has since spread to vineyards outside Germany, notably in the United Kingdom, where it thrives perfectly in the cooler climate. The grape is mainly grown in the southern vineyards of England and has played a crucial role in the recent renaissance of English wine. Its ability to ripen fully in chilly weather, whilst retaining a fair volume of acidity, makes it an ideal choice for British wines.
In terms of its characteristics, the Reichensteiner grape offers a neutral taste profile. Yet, it exhibits a slight hint of fruity, apple-like flavours, which blends well with other varieties, making it a perfect choice for producing blended wines. It is widely known and appreciated for its substantial contribution to the production volume of British still white wines and sparkling wines, providing crisp acidity and body.
The notable part about this grape is its high sugar levels balanced with a good level of acidity, making the wines created from it quite respected within the wine community. Typically, wines made from the Reichensteiner grape are lighter-bodied and consumed young, with the emphasis being on their refreshing fruity notes rather than complexity.
To sum up, the Reichensteiner grape is an integral part of the emerging popularity of English wines in the world market, offering a blend of robustness, versatility and delightful tangy flavour. Truly, it presents an impressive journey from a German hybrid to the heart of English vineyards.
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