Faberrebe

Faberrebe is a relatively recent German grape variety that has found unexpected success in UK vineyards. Created in 1969 at the Geisenheim Grape Breeding Institute, Faberrebe is a crossing of Müller-Thurgau with a complex hybrid, bred specifically to combine aromatic qualities with early ripening capability. These characteristics have proven remarkably valuable for English viticulture, where cooler temperatures and shorter growing seasons demand grape varieties that can reach full maturity before autumn arrives.

The grape produces wines of real distinction in the UK climate. Faberrebe typically achieves good sugar accumulation while retaining the bright acidity that English wines are celebrated for. The resulting wines often display expressive aromatics reminiscent of peach, apricot and tropical fruits, with distinctive muscat undertones that set Faberrebe apart from more common English varieties like Bacchus or Solaris. The palate usually offers a refreshing balance between fruit-forward freshness and subtle mineral notes, making Faberrebe wines versatile partners for food or enjoyable as standalone expressions.

UK vineyards growing Faberrebe span diverse regions from South East England through East Anglia, Wessex, Mid and North areas, and into the West. This geographic spread demonstrates the variety's adaptability across different microclimates and soil types found throughout Britain. Eleven vineyards now cultivate Faberrebe, with six of these estates open to visitors for tastings and vineyard tours, offering wine enthusiasts the opportunity to experience English Faberrebe wines direct from the source. Four growers have adopted organic or biodynamic practices with this variety, reflecting Faberrebe's natural vigor and disease resistance, which suits reduced intervention viticulture well.

Faberrebe's appeal for British viticulture extends beyond its ripening characteristics. The variety shows good resistance to fungal diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments in the damp English summers. Its moderate vigor also makes it suitable for cooler sites where achieving ripeness might otherwise prove challenging. For vineyard owners seeking to diversify beyond traditional Champagne varieties, Faberrebe offers an intriguing option that can produce distinctive still wines appealing to both critics and consumers. As English wine continues its remarkable growth trajectory, Faberrebe represents a variety with genuine potential to contribute something special to the nation's evolving wine identity.