Portugieser

The Portugieser grape variety is also known as Blue Portugieser. This is a variety whose origin is disputed, whatever the name is.

Does the vine originate from Portugal; a Count von Fries is said to have brought it to Lower Austria between 1770 and 1780? Or does it originate from Lower Styria (now in Slovenia)? Questions upon questions that are no longer really relevant after such a long time. The Portugieser, let's leave it at that, is said to be a cross between the Blue Cinnamon grape and the Green Silvaner. Portugieser is a traditional red wine variety in Germany. The grapes, which are quite sweet when raw, are also delicious as table grapes. However, they are not allowed to be sold as table grapes in the EU, as marketing as table grapes is not permitted for wine grapes. The delicate colouring is the reason why the vintner sometimes processes the Portugieser into Weißherbst (we have all heard "Portugieser Weißherbst"). A typical Portugieser is mild, with relatively low tannins and acidity.