The white grape variety (breeding no. Geisenheim 9-93, GM 9-93) is a new breed between Riesling x Knipperlé according to the DNA analyses published in 2013. The paternity listed in the breeding list of the green Silvaner has turned out to be incorrect. The name is derived from the ruins of Ehrenfels near Rüdesheim. The crossing took place in 1929 in Geisenheim by Dr. Heinrich Birk (1898-1973). The varietal protection was granted in 1969. The variety was a crossing partner of the two new breeds Ehrenbreitsteiner and Prinzipal.
The medium to late ripening grape is resilient against frost and moderately against downy and powdery mildew. It produces greenish-yellow white wines with Riesling-like aromas of apples, peaches, and apricots. In Germany, it is cultivated on 39 hectares (D-STATIS). There are also further stocks in Canada (32 ha), New Zealand (1 ha), and the USA. In 2016, a total of 82 hectares of vineyard area were reported (Kym Anderson).
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Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena