Grape variety
Riesling-Sylvaner
Müller-Thurgau, the light, floral white of German-speaking Switzerland
On Helvitic you buy your Riesling-Sylvaner directly from the cellars that make it, delivered to your door (free shipping from CHF 150 per cellar) or picked up at the cellar. Riesling-Sylvaner is the Swiss name for Müller-Thurgau, the most widespread white grape in German-speaking Switzerland.
It is a light, fresh, floral white, drunk young, as an apéritif or with food.
A grape bred by a man from Thurgau
The variety was bred in 1882 by Hermann Müller, a botanist from the canton of Thurgau, at the Geisenheim institute in Germany: hence the name Müller-Thurgau. It was long thought to be a Riesling and Sylvaner cross, which explains its Swiss name. DNA analysis has since shown that it descends from Riesling and another grape, Madeleine Royale.
What Riesling-Sylvaner tastes like
A light wine with gentle acidity and aromas of flowers, peach and sometimes muscat. Drink it young, within two years of the harvest, to keep its freshness.
Where it grows and what to serve with it
It is found throughout German-speaking Switzerland: Zurich, Thurgau, Schaffhausen, Aargau, St. Gallen, Graubünden. At the table it suits asparagus, lake and river fish, salads and light dishes.
Frequently asked questions: Riesling-Sylvaner
Are Riesling-Sylvaner and Müller-Thurgau the same?
Yes. Riesling-Sylvaner is the Swiss name for Müller-Thurgau. Despite the name, the grape does not descend from Sylvaner.
Does Riesling-Sylvaner age?
It is made to be drunk young, within two years of the harvest.
What to serve with Riesling-Sylvaner?
As an apéritif, with asparagus, perch or trout, or light dishes.