The white grape variety (also L-3-9-25) is an interspecific new breeding between (Blaufränkisch x Cabernet Franc) x Merlan; the name was formed from the parent varieties. It contains genes from Vitis berlandieri, Vitis rupestris and Vitis vinifera. The hybrid was crossed in the Czech Republic by a team led by Vilém Kraus (1924-2013). Plant variety protection was granted in 2011. The late-maturing, high-yielding vine is moderately resistant to frost, as well as very good against botrytis and both types of powdery mildew. It yields spicy white wines similar to Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of grass and nettles that tend to oxidise. No stocks were reported in 2016 (Kym Anderson statistics).
Pictures: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
For my many years of work as an editor with a wine and culinary focus, I always like to inform myself about special questions at Wine lexicon. Spontaneous reading and following links often leads to exciting discoveries in the wide world of wine.
Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien