Souvignier gris

Souvignier gris is a grape variety used in wine production. It is a white grape that is a cross between the varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Bronner. The grape was developed in 1983 by Norbert Becker, a German viticulturist.

History

Norbert Becker developed Souvignier gris in 1983 at the Staatliches Weinbauinstitut Freiburg, a research institute in Freiburg, Germany. The grape is a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Bronner, two well-known grape varieties. Becker's goal was to create a grape that was resistant to fungal diseases, and Souvignier gris has proven to be highly resistant to both downy mildew and powdery mildew.

Characteristics

Souvignier gris is a late-ripening grape, typically harvested in late September or early October. The grape clusters are medium-sized and compact, with small to medium-sized berries. The grapes have a thick skin, which contributes to their disease resistance.

In terms of flavor, Souvignier gris produces wines with a full body and high acidity. The wines often have flavors of citrus, pear, and white flowers, with a mineral finish.

Cultivation

While Souvignier gris was developed in Germany, it is now grown in several other countries, including France, Switzerland, and Canada. The grape is particularly well-suited to cool climates, and it thrives in regions with long, cool growing seasons.

In the vineyard, Souvignier gris is a vigorous grower, and it requires careful canopy management to prevent over-cropping. The grape's disease resistance makes it a popular choice for organic and biodynamic vineyards.

Wine Production

Souvignier gris is used to produce a variety of wine styles, including still white wines, sparkling wines, and dessert wines. The grape's high acidity makes it well-suited to sparkling wine production, and its full body and complex flavors make it a good choice for dessert wines.

In Germany, Souvignier gris is often blended with other white grape varieties to add complexity and structure to the wines. In France, the grape is typically used to produce varietal wines, which showcase the unique characteristics of the Souvignier gris grape.