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Riesling

Synonymy

In the European Union, Riesling is officially called by other names: Rajnai rizling (Hungary), Renski rizling (Slovenia), Rhine Riesling (Cyprus), Riesling renano (Italy), Rizling rýnsky (Czech Republic, Slovakia) and Weißer Riesling (Germany, Austria). These synonyms are officially recognized in France regarding plant propagation material.

Registration Information

In France, Riesling is officially listed in the ‘Catalogue of Vine Varieties’ on the A list and is classified for wine grapes. This variety is also included in the catalogues of other European Union member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.

Cultivation and Vine Characteristics

Riesling has good resistance to winter cold, and its fruitfulness following spring frost is reliable. This variety requires long pruning and proper training. It is somewhat sensitive to stem desiccation. Its ideal terroirs are diverse (limestone, granite), but it predominantly thrives in schist soils. The bunches and berries are small.

Wine Characteristics

Riesling produces high-quality dry white wines that are aromatic, lively, and elegant, with a very high acidity balance. These wines are well-suited for aging, with their bouquet evolving slowly towards ‘petroleum’ (hydrocarbon) aromas. When overripe or affected by noble rot, Riesling can also produce exceptional liqueur wines.

Susceptibility to Diseases and Pests

Riesling is sensitive to Botrytis, Anthracnose and grape moths. Under certain conditions, Botrytis attacks on the cluster stem and can lead to early grape drop.

Clonal selection in France

The eight certified Riesling clones carry the numbers 49, 1089, 1090, 1091, 1092, 1094, 1096 and 1097. A conservatory of almost 190 clones was planted in Alsace in 1997.

Available Clones

Weis 21

Productive clone that seems to tolerate cold climates somewhat better.

Available in: VineTech Classics, VineTech Select

Clone Characteristics

  • Fertility: Very high
  • Production Level: Very high
  • Cluster Weight: Very high
  • Vine Vigor: Medium
  • Berry Size: Medium to Low to medium
  • Botrytis Sensitivity: Medium

Wine Characteristics

  • Sugar Potential: Medium
  • Acidity: Medium to high
  • Oenological Characteristics: Wines that highlight soil minerality.
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49

Productive clone.

Available in: VineTech Classics, VineTech Select, VineTech International

Clone Characteristics

  • Fertility: High
  • Production Level: High
  • Cluster Weight: High
  • Vine Vigor: Medium
  • Berry Size: Medium to high
  • Botrytis Sensitivity: Medium

Wine Characteristics

  • Sugar Potential: Low to medium
  • Acidity: Medium to high
  • Oenological Characteristics: Typical wines of the grape variety.
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More Varieties

All information has been provided by VineTech’s genetics providers.

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