The white grape variety originates from Germany. Synonyms or colour varieties are Gelber Harthengst, Gelber Orléans, Gros Riesling, Grüner Orléans, Hartheunisch, Harthengst, Harthisch, Orleaner, Orléans Jaune, Orléanstraube, Orléans Vert, Orleanzer, Orlänzsch, Rüdesheimer Bergtraube, Weißer Wälscher and Weißer Orléans.
The parentage of the variety is unknown. According to DNA analyses, there is no (previously suspected) connection to the Heunisch (Gouais Blanc) variety, although some synonyms seem to indicate this.
According to a hypothesis by Lambert von Babo (1790-1862), it is said to have been introduced from Orléans at the behest of Emperor Charlemagne (742-814) and planted on the Rüdesheimer Berg, which was later also called "Berg Orléans". However, varieties of this name have never been mentioned in the Orléans region. In any case, the variety is one of the earliest documented Franconian varieties. It was first mentioned by the botanist Hieronymus Bock (1498-1554) in 1539 in his "Kreütter Buch" under the name Harthinsch (which could mean Harter Heunisch).
![]()
For me, Lexicon from wein.plus is the most comprehensive and best source of information about wine currently available.
Egon Mark
Diplom-Sommelier, Weinakademiker und Weinberater, Volders (Österreich)