Reichensteiner

Reichensteiner is a white grape variety of German origin that has found a welcoming home across English vineyards. Bred in 1939 at the Geisenheim Institute in Germany, this variety was created by crossing Madeleine Angevine with Müller-Thurgau, resulting in a grape perfectly suited to cooler climates. The variety takes its name from the Reichenstein institute where it was developed, reflecting its Germanic heritage that has successfully translated to British viticulture.

This early to mid-ripening variety thrives in the variable conditions of English vineyards, producing reliable harvests even in less than ideal summers. The grape accumulates sugars nicely while maintaining the fresh acidity essential for English wine production. In the UK climate, Reichensteiner typically produces light to medium-bodied white wines with crisp, refreshing characteristics that showcase the best of British viticulture.

Reichensteiner wines from England typically display notes of citrus fruit, green apple and subtle floral aromatics. The wines often have a pleasant mineral quality that reflects the English terroir. On the palate, these wines offer good balance between fruit expression and acidity, making them excellent choices for everyday drinking or as accompaniments to light dishes and seafood.

Beyond single varietal wines, Reichensteiner grape UK cultivation has proven particularly valuable for sparkling wine production. Many English sparkling wines incorporate Reichensteiner as part of their traditional method blends, contributing freshness and fruit character to the final cuvée. The variety's natural vigour and consistent yields make it a reliable workhorse variety for English wineries seeking quality base wines.

Currently, eleven UK vineyards grow Reichensteiner, with significant plantings across East Anglia, the Thames and Chilterns region, the West country and the South East. Six of these vineyards welcome visitors for tours and tastings, offering opportunities to explore English Reichensteiner wines firsthand. The variety remains an important part of the English wine landscape, valued for its adaptability and consistent performance in British conditions.