Silvaner

From EncycloWine

Silvaner is a white wine grape variety. It is also called Grüner Silvaner, Sylvaner or Oesterreicher and reached Germany probably in the 17th century from southern Europe (probably Transylvania), where it was until the 1970s the most common grape with a share of nearly 30%. After that, its share dropped continuously. Today it's grown mainly in Franconia, where it is dominant. Other areas are Austria, Switzerland, and Alsace.

The character of Silvaner is much influenced by the terroir. On limestone it is often neutral, while on other soils, like in Franconia and the Kaiserstuhl, it yields fine, elegant wines.

Growing area in Germany today is 6,101 ha (5.9% of total area).