The two varieties are interspecific new varieties created in 1964 by the breeder Vilém Kraus (1924-2013) in the former Czechoslovakia. The white grape variety GM 6493 is a cross between Zarya Severa x Muscat Ottonel, the red grape variety GM 6494 is a cross between Zarya Severa x St. Laurent. Both hybrids contain genes of Vitis amurensis and Vitis vinifera. Both varieties are characterised by high resistance to both mildew fungi and frost hardiness. Kraus offered some vine seeds to Dr. Helmut Becker (1927-1990), then head of the Geisenheim (Rheingau) Vine Institute, who recognized the importance of the breeding material and made selections. It was only here that they were given their present names and also reached other institutes.