The grape variety with the Janus face
The Huxelrebe is the grape variety with the Janus face. On one hand, it can yield large quantities of uncomplicated wines, but on the other, it can also be the source of highly refined sweet wines with enormous storage potential.
Huxelrebe is one of the "newer" grape varieties in Rheinhessen vineyards, yet, it has already clocked up several years of service. Its crossing took place at the "Landesanstalt für Rebzüchtung" (State Institute for Vine Breeding) in Alzey and was done by Georg Scheu. Its parent grapes are the two white varieties Elbling and Courtiller Musqué. Huxelrebe is almost exclusively grown in Germany. The vine has its name from Fritz Huxel, a winemaker from Westhofen (Rheinhessen). Fritz Huxel was not only a friend of the breeder, but also was the fist winemaker to grow the new grape variety in the 1950s. In Rheinhessen, the vineyard area of Huxelrebe currently covers 258 hectares (1% of the total vineyard).
The yellow-green berries have a juicy, spicy taste. Characteristic for Huxelrebe is its parthenocarpy. After pollination, the pollen grains germinate and grow to the ovule. Fertilization does not take place and yet the flowers are not thrown off. The berries remain very small and become very sweet. These grapes produce wonderful noble sweet wines. The exotic-fruity bouquet of Huxelrebe reminds of mango and passion fruit. The wines are well storable because of the lively acidity and are still very fresh and lively even after many years.
As dessert wine the Huxelrebe is the icing on the cake of a menu. Especially for blue cheese it is a magnificent companion.
