Schonburger

Schonburger is an intriguing and relatively rare grape variety that has found a surprising home in UK vineyards, producing distinctive wines that showcase the adaptability of English viticulture. This pink-skinned variety, originally bred in Germany, offers British wine producers an opportunity to craft something truly unique in the world of English wine.

Schonburger was developed in 1929 at the Staatliches Weinbauinstitut in Freiburg, Germany. The variety is a complex crossing that includes Riesling and Gewurztraminer in its genetic heritage, along with other Vitis species that contribute to its hardiness and distinctive character. This German breeding programme aimed to create varieties suited to cooler climates, making Schonburger an excellent candidate for UK wine production.

The grape produces wines that are typically light and aromatic, often showing vibrant fruit characters with notes of tropical fruits, peach, and delicate floral undertones. When crafted as a white wine, Schonburger offers crisp acidity and a refreshing quality that works beautifully in the English climate. As a rose, the pink-hued skins create wines with attractive colour and subtle berry notes that appeal to a wide range of palates.

UK vineyards growing Schonburger benefit from its early ripening characteristics, which make it particularly well-suited to cooler British summers. The variety typically reaches full maturity ahead of many other grapes, reducing the risk of incomplete ripening that can plague less suited varieties in cooler seasons. This reliability makes Schonburger an attractive option for adventurous English wine producers looking to diversify their plantings.

With only two UK vineyards currently cultivating this variety, Schonburger represents an exclusive addition to the English wine landscape. Vineyards in East Anglia and the West regions have embraced this German heritage grape, demonstrating how English viticulture continues to experiment with unusual varieties that can thrive in British conditions. For wine enthusiasts seeking something different from the typical English sparkling wine or popular grape varieties, Schonburger offers an exciting opportunity to explore a rare and characterful grape being crafted into distinctive English wines.