Johanniter is a purpose-bred, fungus-resistant white grape that is grown in small pockets of Germany and Switzerland. It is also used in Poland's tiny wine industry. The variety was bred in 1968 by crossing Riesling with an unnamed grape of the lineage Seyve Villard 12-481 x (Rulander x Gutedel).
Wines made from Johanniter are somewhat similar to Riesling, with slightly less acidity and the potential to achieve good must weights. In 2002 an intense, concentrated Trockenbeerenauslese was reportedly made from Johanniter. This, however, would be unusual; most Johanniter wines are light and fruity, showing melon, pear and peach flavors.
Johanniter is named after Dr. Johannes Zimmermann, the former director of the vine breeding of the Freiburg Institute of Viticulture, where the grape was developed.
Synonyms include: FR 177-68.
Food matches for Johanniter include:
- Sole au beurre
- Sake-steamed scallops
- Roasted barramundi fillets
