Grape · White

Müller-Thurgau

Also known as Riesling-Sylvaner in Switzerland or Rivaner in Luxembourg

Cool climate

About

A crossing of Riesling and Madeleine Royale, created in 1882. Widely planted in Germany (where it was formerly the most planted grape), Austria, and northern Italy. Produces soft, easy-drinking wines with floral aromatics.

Typical profile

Body

Light

Acidity

Mellow

Sweetness

Dry

Aromas

What the grape gives up young, and what it grows into with time in bottle.

Young · fresh from the glass

green apple peach lychee elderflower

Aged · develops with bottle time

honey

Explore aromas

Oak influence

None

Growing regions

How the grape expresses across places, grouped by country. Chips call out how a region's style deviates from the grape's default.

Germany

Franken

The most-planted variety, making fresh light everyday whites

Mittelrhein

Light, everyday whites

Nahe

Light, floral, everyday wines

Rheinhessen

Light, floral, low-acid whites for everyday drinking. Still the most planted variety by area.

Württemberg

Light, floral everyday whites, widely planted in the cooler sites

Switzerland

German Switzerland

A Swiss invention (1882, Hermann Müller from Thurgau); the backbone white across German-speaking cantons

Three Lakes

A small but distinctive plot on south-facing Murten slopes

Food pairings

Wiener schnitzel with lingonberry sauceGrilled trout with almonds and herbsGerman-style potato salad with dill and white wine vinegarAsian fusion chicken lettuce wraps with ginger-soy dressingCreamy mushroom risotto with fresh thymeLight Caesar salad with grilled shrimp

Similar grapes

Glera

green applepeachelderflower

Cortese

green appleelderflower

Aligoté

green appleelderflower

Riesling

green applepeachelderflower

Moscato

peachlychee

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Müller-Thurgau taste like?▼

Müller-Thurgau produces soft, easy-drinking wines with fresh aromas of green apple, peach, muscat, and elderflower when young. The wines are typically light and approachable with a gentle, fruity character.

Where does Müller-Thurgau grow best?▼

Müller-Thurgau thrives in cool climates and is widely planted in Germany, Austria, and northern Italy. It was formerly Germany's most planted grape variety and performs well in these cooler European wine regions.

What food pairs with Müller-Thurgau?▼

The soft, fruity character of Müller-Thurgau pairs beautifully with light seafood, Asian cuisine, and fresh salads. Its gentle nature also makes it an excellent aperitif wine or companion to mild cheeses.

How does Müller-Thurgau age?▼

Müller-Thurgau is best enjoyed young to preserve its fresh fruit character, though it can develop honeyed notes with age. Most examples are designed for early consumption rather than long-term cellaring.

Is Müller-Thurgau similar to other similar grapes?▼

As a crossing of Riesling and Madeleine Royale, Müller-Thurgau shares some characteristics with its Riesling parent, particularly the muscat-like aromatics. However, it's generally softer and less acidic than Riesling, making it more immediately approachable.