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Johanniter is an innovative, cold and fungal disease-resistant (PIWI) white grape variety increasingly popular in cooler climate European regions (Germany, Poland, and the Baltics). As a direct relative of "Riesling", it produces crisp, exceptionally refreshing white wines smelling of green apples, citrus fruits, melons, and spring flowers. It is an excellent, sustainable choice for summer refreshment.
Read moreDue to its similarity to Riesling, Johanniter wines can come in very different sweetness levels. When choosing, pay attention to the style indicated by the winemaker.
The vast majority of Johanniter wines are produced completely dry (Trocken). Fermented in steel tanks, the wine features sharp, cutting acidity and clean minerality. However, to balance the high acidity, semi-dry variants are also frequently produced. A small amount of residual sugar gives the wine more roundness, body, and highlights sweet peach and pear aromas.
Thanks to its piercing acidity and freshness, Johanniter is a fantastic aperitif. It pairs ideally with fresh spring vegetable salads, white fish (steamed), sushi, and seafood. If you taste the semi-dry version, boldly pair it with mildly spicy Asian dishes or creamy cheeses.
The acronym PIWI (German: Pilzwiderstandsfähige) describes hybrid grape varieties that are genetically resistant to fungal diseases. Johanniter was created in 1968 in Germany (at the Freiburg Institute) to breed a variety that would allow winemakers to drastically reduce the number of chemical sprays. It is a highly ecological variety contributing to sustainable winemaking.
Johanniter is a direct descendant of the famous "Riesling" grapes. It was obtained by crossing Riesling with a complex "Seyve-Villard" and "Pinot Gris" / "Chasselas" hybrid. It is from the Riesling side that Johanniter inherited its aromatic profile, elegance, and high acidity, while from the hybrid parents, it gained disease resistance and the ability to ripen more easily in harsher conditions.
