The white grape variety (breeding number Würzburg B 48-21-4) is a new cross between Müller-Thurgau x Siegerrebe, which was confirmed by DNA analyses published in 2012. The cross was made in 1948 by grower Dr Hans Breider (1908-2000) at the Bavarian State Institute in Würzburg. The grower named it after his favourite philosopher, the Spanish poet José Ortega y Gasset (1883-1955). Plant variety protection was granted in 1981. Incidentally, the three new varieties Muscabona, Tamara and Thekla also originated from the same parents.

The early-maturing vine is sensitive to spring frosts, susceptible to botrytis (grey rot) and coulure, but resistant to both types of mildew. It produces floral, rather low-acid white wines with a peach flavour and ageing potential if matured appropriately. It is also used as table grape.
![]()
wein.plus is a handy, efficient guide to a quick overview of the colourful world of wines, winegrowers and grape varieties. In Wine lexicon, the most comprehensive of its kind in the world, you will find around 26,000 keywords on the subject of grape varieties, wineries, wine-growing regions and much more.
Roman Horvath MW
Domäne Wachau (Wachau)