Grape Varieties: Siegerrebe

Previously thought to be a Madeleine Angevine and Gewürztraminer cross, Siegerrebe is now known to be a freely pollinated seedling of Madeleine. Although a white grape variety, the skins turn from garnet earlier in the season to deep pink when ripe; it can make a great contribution to still rosé wines. Siegerrebe requires little management although it is very susceptible to attack from wasps and, occasionally, birds. It ripens extremely early and can make very fruity wines in warm years.

Its similarity to Gewürztraminer is striking, with aromas of Turkish Delight and marzipan, and flavours of lychees and spice. With relatively low acidity and high natural sugars, it is also suitable for making dessert wines. Three Choirs make a real success of this variety, planted in their Gloucestershire vineyard in the late 1990s.