Muller Thurgau

The Müller Thurgau grape variety is one of the most successful and widely planted crossings in modern viticulture. It was created in 1882 by Swiss viticulturist Hermann Müller, originally from the canton of Thurgau, during his research on improving grape genetics. For many years, Müller Thurgau was believed to be a cross between Riesling and Sylvaner, which led to its alternative name Riesling-Sylvaner. However, recent DNA analysis has revealed that the second parent is not Sylvaner but Chasselas, a traditional white grape of Switzerland and France.

Since its creation, Müller Thurgau has become widely cultivated across Europe and beyond. It is particularly common in Germany, where it ranks among the most planted varieties, as well as in Switzerland and Italy. Its adaptability and relatively early ripening made it a popular choice for growers in cooler climates. Beyond Europe, the grape has also been successfully planted in New Zealand, Australia, and other New World wine regions.

In Italy, Müller Thurgau is grown in several regions from north to south, but its finest expressions come from Trentino-Alto Adige (Südtirol/Alto Adige and Trentino), Friuli Venezia Giulia, and parts of the Veneto. Vineyards planted at higher altitudes yield the best quality wines, as the cooler temperatures help preserve the grape’s natural acidity and aromatic profile.

Wines made from Müller Thurgau are typically light, fresh, and aromatic, with delicate floral and fruity notes. They often display aromas of white flowers, green apple, peach, and citrus, along with a crisp minerality when grown in alpine or volcanic soils. On the palate, Müller Thurgau wines are soft and approachable, making them a favorite for everyday drinking. In Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige, the wines often show greater intensity and elegance, standing out as some of the best examples worldwide.

Today, Müller Thurgau remains one of the most versatile and widely enjoyed white grape varieties, offering easy-drinking freshness alongside more refined alpine expressions.