The red grape variety (also known as Blauer Weinsberger, Helfensteyner) is a new breed between Pinot Précoce Noir (early burgundy) x Schiava Grossa, which was confirmed by DNA analyses published in 2012. The crossing took place in 1931 by August Herold (1902-1973) at the State Teaching and Research Institute Weinsberg in Württemberg. The naming was done after the former castle near Geislingen. The varietal protection was granted in 1960. The variety was a crossing partner in the new breeds Dornfelder and Hegel. The medium to late ripening grape varieties is resistant to downy and powdery mildew as well as Botrytis, but susceptible to shatter and therefore uncertain in yield. In 2018, the variety occupied 12 hectares of vineyard area in Germany with a constantly declining trend.
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