The white grape variety probably comes from Germany (or Switzerland). The name is derived from the robust foliage, which rushes particularly strongly in the wind. According to another variant, this is a verbalization of "Rußling" (from soot or for "dark wood". There are over 60 synonyms; some of them are Brauner Nürnberger, Divicina, Divojcica, Dretsch, Drutsch, Drutscht, Dünnelbling, Férdant Vert, Frankentraube, Großfränkisch, Gros Räuschling, Großer Räuschling, Großer Traminer, Grünspat, Klöpfer, Luttenberger, Luttenbergerstock, Lyonnaise Blanche, Melon Blanc, Offenburger, Pfäffling, Pfaffentraube, Ruchelin, Ruschling, Rüschling, Silberweiß, Vigne de Zuri, Weißer Räuschling, Weißwelscher, Zürirebe, Zürichrebe and Züriwiss.
According to DNA analyses carried out in 2013, this is a presumably natural cross between Heunisch (Gouais Blanc) x unknown partner ( Traminer was previously suspected). However, this is based on only 20 DNA markers (see molecular genetics). Despite apparently indicative synonyms, the Räuschling must not be confused with the varieties Completer (Zürirebe) or Knipperlé (Kleiner Räuschling). An almost extinct variety is red rustling. This in turn should not be confused with the Blue Yellowwood variety (with synonyms Blue Rustling and Black Rustling). The early to medium ripening Räuschling vine is resistant to frost, but somewhat susceptible to botrytis. It produces light white wines with pronounced acidity and citrus aromas.
In the herbal book of the German botanist Hieronymus Bock (1498-1554) it is mentioned around the year 1550 as "Drutsch" or "Drutscht". The German ampelographer Karl Friedrich Gok (1776-1849) named the variety Vitis fissilis (fissure = crack) in 1836, because the berries rip open easily after rain in autumn. The name "Reuschling" first appeared in 1614 in the "Weingartordnung" of Count Philipp Ernst von Hohenlohe-Langenburg (1584-1628) in Franconia. The variety was widespread in Alsace, in the German growing regions of Franconia, Palatinate and Württemberg, as well as in German and French-speaking Switzerland. In Switzerland, it was the most widespread vine before the Müller-Thurgau period, alongside the Elbling. In 2016, 23 hectares (of which 12 are around Lake Zurich) were designated in Switzerland (Kym Anderson). It is also cultivated in small quantities in Germany(Baden). There are also a few vines in the Vine Museum of the Leth Winery (Fels a. W., Lower Austria).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Pictures: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn Institute (JKI)
