Phoenix Wine Grape

Phönix, or Pheonix, (breeding code Gf. GA-49-22) is a green grape variety, created as a crossing of Bacchus (a Vitis vinifiera variety) and Villarc Blanc, the latter a so called hybrid grape. It stems out of the Geilweilerhof Institute for Grape Breeding in Siebeldingen, Germany, in 1964 bt Dr. Gerhardt Alleweldt. In 1992 it was granted plant variety protection.

It is not one of the most common grapes but expect in Sweden it is grown to some extent in countries like Germany and Belgium.

The grape was created for wine making but has also grown popular as a table grape, much thanks to its juicy berries with thin skin. It is also a popular garden vine, due not only to its taste, but also the large leaves that are especially colourful in the autumn. Phönix is regarded a “PIWI”-variety, since it is resists both types of powdery mildew, as well as fungus. It is less resistant to botrytis though, but can grow on different soils, and normally gives a good yield, making it suitable for the harsher climate conditions in the northernmost wine regions, such as Sweden.

The grapes are green to yellow, sometimes to the grey side and grow in large compact clusters.

For winemaking, Phönix is normally used in cuvées, meaning blended with other varieties.