Zurich Grape Conquers the World
- The Müller-Thurgau grape, a globally recognized white wine variety, traces its origins to the banks of Lake Zurich.
- In 1892, Hermann Müller-Thurgau initiated his grape breeding program in Wädenswil, Switzerland.He likely didn't anticipate that his creation would become one of the world's most successful white wine...
- It was initially believed that Müller-Thurgau had successfully combined the Riesling and Sylvaner varieties.
Müller-Thurgau: From Zurich’s Shores to Global Vineyards
The Müller-Thurgau grape, a globally recognized white wine variety, traces its origins to the banks of Lake Zurich. This grape,initially known as Riesling Sylvaner,continues to be cultivated worldwide.
In 1892, Hermann Müller-Thurgau initiated his grape breeding program in Wädenswil, Switzerland.He likely didn’t anticipate that his creation would become one of the world’s most successful white wine grapes, producing a palatable wine that would eventually populate cellars from Zurich to New Zealand. Müller-Thurgau achieved this by crossing two grape varieties, initially naming the result riesling × Sylvaner.
It was initially believed that Müller-Thurgau had successfully combined the Riesling and Sylvaner varieties. However,this assumption was later proven incorrect.
Today, in Wädenswil’s viticulture center, direct descendants of the original “stick 58” of Müller-Thurgau still exist. Near a pink-colored winegrowing house,an unassuming vine clings to an aged stake.
Jacqueline Achermann, a winegrower who transitioned from a career in communications after training at the Wädenswil viticulture center, researched the history of this grape in honor of Hermann Müller-Thurgau’s 175th birthday.
But how did a vine originating in Wädenswil achieve worldwide acclaim as a successful white wine variety?
Müller-Thurgau’s Origin: Wädenswil’s Winegrowing Center
The Müller-Thurgau grape was bred in the Wädenswil winegrowing center, near the pink winegrowery house.
the Secret: Early Ripening
Hermann Müller, born in Tägerwilen in 1850, hailed from a family of bakers and winemakers. He later adopted the name Müller-Thurgau, referencing his home canton. He studied at Zurich’s polytechnic,now ETH,earning a teaching diploma in natural sciences. In 1874, he obtained his doctorate from the Botanical Institute of the University of Würzburg.
In 1876, Müller secured a position at a respected research institute for fruit and viticulture in Geisenheim, Germany.There, he focused on developing a new white wine variety, envisioning a grape that was resilient, easy to cultivate, and possessed a higher acidity than riesling.
In 1891, he accepted the directorship of the newly established German-Swiss testing station and school for fruit, wine, and horticulture in Wädenswil, returning to Switzerland. He brought with him 150 cuttings of his vine crossings, planting the most promising ones along Lake Zurich.
According to Achermann, “When attempting crossings, it’s like having a hundred children, and you observe which ones thrive. except, these aren’t children, but sticks.” Müller-Thurgau’s “favorite child” was stock 58.
The advantage of this new breed was its early ripening. While other varieties were still weeks away from harvest, Müller-Thurgau was ready. This characteristic made it notably appealing to winegrowers in less favorable locations.
In 1913, the variety was officially recognized as Müller-Thurgau. By the 1960s, it had become the most widely planted grape in Germany.Though, its popularity has as declined, with other varieties gaining prominence.
Despite its reduced presence in Germany, Müller-Thurgau remains notable in other regions, including Switzerland. According to the Federal Office for Agriculture, it is the third most significant white wine variety in Switzerland, accounting for 14% of the country’s vineyard area in 2023.
Müller-Thurgau is also cultivated in other parts of the world, including New Zealand, where it is known as Riesling Sylvaner. The grape’s adaptability and early ripening continue to make it a viable option for winegrowers in various climates.
Müller-Thurgau: From Zurich’s Shores to Global Vineyards: A Q&A
Explore the interesting journey of the Müller-Thurgau grape, from its origins in Switzerland to its global presence, in this in-depth Q&A.
What is Müller-Thurgau?
Müller-Thurgau is a white wine grape variety that originated in switzerland. It’s known for producing palatable wines and has become a popular choice in various wine regions worldwide.
Where did Müller-Thurgau originate?
The Müller-Thurgau grape was created in Switzerland, specifically in the Wädenswil winegrowing center, near Lake Zurich. The breeding program was initiated by Hermann Müller-Thurgau in 1892.
What is the history behind the name Müller-Thurgau?
hermann Müller, born in Tägerwilen in 1850, was a Swiss botanist and viticulturalist from a family of bakers and winemakers. He added “Thurgau” to his name, referencing his home canton. He’s the man behind the creation of the Müller-Thurgau grape.
What was Müller-Thurgau initially called?
Initially, the grape variety was known as Riesling x Sylvaner. However, after further research, it was discovered that the crossing wasn’t a combination of those two varieties.
Where did Hermann Müller-Thurgau study and work?
Hermann Müller-Thurgau studied at ETH Zurich, earning a teaching diploma in natural sciences.He later obtained a doctorate from the Botanical Institute of the University of Würzburg. He worked at a research institute in Geisenheim, Germany, and eventually became the director of a testing station in Wädenswil, Switzerland.
What was Müller-Thurgau’s goal in creating a new grape variety?
Müller-Thurgau aimed to develop a white wine grape that was resilient, easy to cultivate, and had a higher acidity level compared to Riesling.
Why was the Wädenswil location meaningful in Müller-Thurgau’s development?
In 1891, Müller-Thurgau accepted the directorship of a testing station in Wädenswil, returning to Switzerland with cuttings of his vine crossings.This marked a pivotal moment in the grape’s development.
What made Müller-Thurgau appealing to winegrowers?
The key advantage of Müller-Thurgau was its early ripening. It matured weeks before other varieties, making it suitable for less favorable climates.
When was Müller-Thurgau officially recognized?
The variety was officially recognized as Müller-Thurgau in 1913.
What was the peak of Müller-Thurgau’s popularity?
By the 1960s, Müller-Thurgau had become the most widely planted grape in Germany.
Where is Müller-Thurgau still significant today?
Despite its decline in Germany, Müller-Thurgau remains crucial in regions like Switzerland. It is the third most significant white wine variety in Switzerland.
What percentage of Swiss vineyards does Müller-Thurgau occupy?
In 2023, Müller-thurgau accounted for 14% of Switzerland’s vineyard area.
In wich other parts of the world is Müller-Thurgau cultivated?
Müller-Thurgau is cultivated in other parts of the world, including New zealand, where it’s known as Riesling Sylvaner.
What are the key takeaways about Müller-Thurgau?
Here’s a quick summary:
- Origin: Wädenswil, Switzerland
- Creator: Hermann Müller-Thurgau
- Key Feature: Early ripening
- global Presence: Cultivated in several countries
- current Meaning: Critically important in Switzerland
Can you provide a side-by-side comparison of key facts about Müller-Thurgau?
Certainly! Here’s a table summarizing the key aspects of Müller-Thurgau:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Wädenswil, Switzerland |
| creator | Hermann Müller-Thurgau |
| Initial Name | Riesling x Sylvaner (later proven inaccurate) |
| Key Characteristic | Early ripening |
| Peak Popularity | 1960s, most planted in Germany |
| Current Significance | Third most planted white wine in Switzerland (14% of vineyards in 2023) |
| Other Names | Riesling Sylvaner (in New Zealand) |
this table highlights the critical aspects of Müller-Thurgau’s history and global impact, providing a quick reference.