Rivaner

Rivaner is a white grape variety that is primarily grown in the wine regions of Germany, Luxembourg, and Alsace, France. It is a cross between the Riesling and Madeleine Royale grape varieties, and is known for its early ripening and high yields.

History

The Rivaner grape was first bred in 1921 by German viticulturist Peter Morio at the Geilweilerhof Institute for Grape Breeding in the Pfalz region. The aim was to create a grape variety that combined the high quality of the Riesling grape with the early ripening and high yields of the Madeleine Royale. The name "Rivaner" is a portmanteau of "Riesling" and "Silvaner", another grape variety that was initially believed to be one of its parents.

Characteristics

Rivaner grapes are known for their high yields and early ripening, which makes them a popular choice for winemakers in cooler climates. The wines produced from Rivaner grapes are typically light-bodied and have a fresh, fruity flavor with notes of apple, pear, and citrus. They are often consumed young and are typically not suitable for aging.

Cultivation

Rivaner is primarily grown in Germany, where it is the second most planted white grape variety after Riesling. It is also grown in Luxembourg, where it is the most planted grape variety, and in Alsace, France. Other regions where Rivaner is grown include Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia.

Food Pairing

Rivaner wines are versatile and can be paired with a variety of foods. They are particularly well-suited to pairing with seafood, poultry, and light pasta dishes. The fresh, fruity flavor of Rivaner wines also makes them a good match for spicy Asian cuisine.

See Also

• List of grape varieties
• German wine
• Luxembourg wine
• Alsace wine