Principal (grape variety)
Principal is a white wine variety that was bred in 1971 at the Geisenheim research institute by the oenologist Helmut Becker . For this he crossed the Geisenheim 323-58 x Ehrenfelser grape varieties ; the former in turn constitutes a cross between Seibel 7053 and Riesling . The experiments with this grape variety belong in the same context as the development of other breeds called Ehrenbreitsteiner , Dakapo , Rondo and Saphira . The basic idea of Becker was - against the background of his dissertation on phylloxera and previous ten years of research into combating it - the development of a pest and fungus-resistant vine.
In the case of the principal, Becker's expectations were not fully met: In lower, damp locations, this vine is susceptible to powdery mildew ( Oidium spp. ) And must be treated with one or two sulfur treatments shortly before and / or shortly after flowering. The downy mildew ( Plasmopara viticola ) may also in shaded and bad drying layers become a problem, so that on fungicides can not be omitted. Red burner ( Pseudopezicula tracheiphila ) has also occurred occasionally. However, good winter hardiness (also against severe frosts) and resistance to molds such as gray mold rot ( Botrytis cinerea ) are advantageous . The taste of the wine is reminiscent of the Riesling , but is more flowery and fruity. The cultivation area in Germany is insignificant with about three hectares, small areas are also planted with principals in Austria , Hungary and Canada .
Synonyms: Breeding number Geisenheim 7116-26 (Gm 7116-26).
Parentage: Geisenheim 323-58 x Ehrenfelser .
literature
- Walter Hillebrand, Heinz Lott, Franz Pfaff: Paperback of the grape varieties. 13th, revised edition. Fachverlag Fraund, Mainz 2003, ISBN 3-921156-53-X .