Bacchus
The Bukett grape variety Bacchus, which owes its name to the Roman wine deity, was bred in the 1930s at the Federal Research Institute for Vine Breeding in Siebeldingen from the grape varieties (Silvaner x Riesling) x Müller-Thurgau.
Facts
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1985
With 3.6 percent of the total vineyard area, the peak of the "Bacchus boom" was reached.
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1.558
Hectares of planted vineyards 2022
Cultivation
The grape variety Bacchus, which owes its name to the Roman wine deity, can produce high yields with comparatively high must weights.
The variety, which with its flowery muscat tone is reminiscent of Scheurebe, boomed particularly in the 1970s to 80s, reaching its peak in 1985 with 3.6% of the area under cultivation. Since the early 1990s, however, the area under vines in Germany has been in sharp decline. In this country, Bacchus vines are mainly found in Franconia, Rheinhessen, on the Nahe and in the Palatinate. In 2022, a total of about 1,558 hectares were planted with it, which is 1.6% of the German vineyard area.
Taste
Most of the light yellow wines are light to medium-bodied. Mature Bacchus wines, however, can also be extract-rich, fruity and bouquet-focused (sometimes reminiscent of Scheurebe). Wines with a high must weight and sufficient acidity can have some Riesling character and a discreet muscat tone (sometimes a little reminiscent of caraway).
Bacchus is well suited as an accompaniment to Asian dishes.
At a glance
Breeding from the grape varieties (Silvaner x Riesling) x Müller-Thurgau
Early maturing with high degrees of ripeness
Prefers fresh, nutrient-rich soils
Aroma: reminiscent of blackcurrants, oranges, sometimes with notes of nutmeg and cumin
What percentage of Germany's vineyard area was occupied by Bacchus at its peak?
At its peak in 1985, Bacchus claimed 3.6% of the German vineyard area.
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