The Ortega grape is a distinct grape variety that has its roots firmly planted in the 1948 German wine industry. This grape type was originally developed by viticulturist Hans Breider, who intended to create a grape that embodied the depth of flavour characteristic of the noble Riesling grape, but with greater resistance to frost and disease common in the German climate.
Ortega grapes are a beautiful crossing of Müller-Thurgau and Siegerrebe. The result is a small, white grape that ripens earlier than most other varieties, with a notable full-bodied sweetness leading to wines of remarkable depth and charm. This particular grape variety has found a home in British soils due to its adaptability, largely regarding cold climates and its innate resistance to diseases. Its success is especially pronounced in the south and southeast of England.
The wine derived from the Ortega grape is noted for its dominant fruity flavours, often evoking thoughts of succulent peaches and ripe apricots, blended with an undercurrent of honey and, sometimes, a delicate hint of spice. The wine is generally medium to full-bodied with a luscious, almost exotic mouthfeel that still retains a crisp, revitalising acidity.
Translucent straw in hue, with charm that comes from its moderate alcohol level, the Ortega wine appeals to a broad spectrum of wine lovers, making it rather popular in wine circles. There's a surprisingly floral aroma that's delicate yet intense at the same time.
The Ortega grape is quite versatile, often used in the production of sweet dessert wines where its high sugar content comes into its own, but equally valuable in producing classic dry wines. This resilient grape variety and the wine it produces stand as an example of the enrichment that international influence can bring to the traditionally dominated vineyards of Britain — a welcome blend of German engineering and British cultivation.
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