New breed!
The winemaker has two archenemies: Powdery mildew and Peronospora . It sounds like science fiction, but it's actually mildew . This causes the vines to wither. There's no cure for it... or so we thought for a long time. But then Valentin Blattner came along, who, together with the Palatinate wine nursery Freytag, had set himself the task of developing a Piwi variety .
Piwi stands for fungus-resistant . Developing a grape variety like this can easily take twenty to thirty years, so it's not for those who want quick results. In 1991, Valentin Blattner , now considered one of the most promising grape breeders in the world, succeeded in developing the first Cabernet Blanc vine.
Further development until marketability took until 2003. The Graf von Weyher winery was one of the first three wineries worldwide to be permitted to cultivate the variety for experimental purposes that year. For us, it was an honor and, at the same time, more exciting than a crime thriller. It was an incredible feeling when the new grapes—at that time still without a name, just a number—were harvested for the first time.
We were allowed to sell Cabernet Blanc for the first time in 2008, with a note on each bottle stating that this grape variety was still being cultivated experimentally. Cabernet Blanc has been officially approved in Germany since 2012, and only since 2018 worldwide. A long and arduous development, anyone uninitiated would say, but for grape growers, this is rapid product development! This process normally takes more than 20 years.
But it was worth it: The Cabernet Blanc is so resistant to powdery mildew and downy mildew (the aforementioned arch enemies) that 70% fewer pesticides are needed. At the same time, it has an excellent flavor, making it one of our gourmet wines. You can detect the Sauvignon Blanc, combined with a certain Mediterranean touch... but you'd better try it for yourself!
You can find more exciting background information here: - Cabernet blanc, a 20-year-old crime story
This is what wine experts say:
" Light yellow with green reflections; intense aroma of tropical fruits such as melon and passion fruit; on the palate, this complex aroma is underlined by a creamy texture and a well-balanced sweet-acid interplay; lasting, harmonious overall impression. " - DLG Federal Wine Awards, Frankfurt am Main, 05/2024
" ...Our tip this time is a PiWi wine, the result of breeding fungus-resistant vines that require little plant protection: This Cabernet Blanc doesn't emulate classic varieties, but rather produces something completely unique – and offers a carefree drinking pleasure in every respect. A bold and correct decision! " falstaff (2023), Weinguide Deutschland, p. 348
" Greenish-yellow color; the bouquet features an impressive composition of fine citrus fruit, gooseberry, and lychee, as well as the elegant spice of green pepper; the palate reveals a well-balanced acidity in combination with the expansive melt and the delightful interplay of aromas; a pronounced and long finish. " DLG Federal Wine Awards, Frankfurt am Main, 10/2021
" Bright straw yellow; intense exotic fruit aromas of ripe kiwi paired with gooseberry and light vegetative notes of mint, nettle, and a hint of green bell pepper; creamy and juicy on the palate with slightly sweet caramel notes and harmoniously balanced acidity; persistent, complex, and multi-layered. " DLG Federal Wine Awards, Frankfurt am Main, June 2020
" Light straw yellow; the nose presents intense fruity notes of banana, mango, pear, and elderflower, intertwined with nuances of caramel and roasted almonds; the palate reveals a fine spicy aroma and a delicate vanilla note, complemented by the mild acidity with a subtle sweetness; a charming, creamy finish. " DLG Federal Wine Award, Frankfurt am Main, 08/2019
" Scent of yellow fruits (Mirabelle plum). Melting and piquant in the mouth, yet light-footed with a delicate mineral note. The perfect partner for poultry, grilled, roasted, or braised, rabbit, hearty fish dishes, and vegetable casseroles... " Dr. Rolf Klein, experienced wine author and former editor-in-chief of the magazine "Weinwelt."
Excellent vintages:
Class of 2023
(APNo. 5073053 1424)
- Golden DLG Prize awarded and presented by the DLG - Federal Wine Awards.
Class of 2021
(APNo. 5073053 0822)
- Pioneer of sustainability and
- Golden DLG Prize awarded and presented by the DLG - Federal Wine Awards.
Class of 2020
(APNo. 5073053 0321)
- Gold Extra awarded and prized by the DLG - Federal Wine Awards.
Class of 2019
(AP. No. 5073053 0220)
- Pioneer of sustainability and
- Golden DLG Prize awarded and presented by the DLG - Federal Wine Awards.
Vintage 2018
(AP. No. 5073053 2019)
- Golden DLG Prize awarded and presented by the DLG - Federal Wine Awards.
Vintage 2016
(AP. No. 5073053 3517)
- Golden Chamber Prize Medal at the state awards for wine and sparkling wine awarded by the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Agriculture.
(AP. No. 5073053 1417)
- Golden Chamber Prize Medal at the state awards for wine and sparkling wine awarded by the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Agriculture.
Vintage 2015
(AP. No. 5073053 1416)
- Silver Chamber Prize Medal at the state awards for wine and sparkling wine awarded by the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Agriculture.
Vintage 2014
(AP. No. 5073053 1215)
- Silver Chamber Prize Medal at the State Awards for Wine & Sparkling Wine awarded by the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Agriculture
Vintage 2013
(AP. No. 5073053 1414)
- Golden Chamber Prize Medal at the state awards for wine and sparkling wine awarded by the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Agriculture.
