Crouchen is a white grape variety of French origin. In France, it has fallen out of favor and its cultivation is now limited, however, it has found a home in other countries around the world.
The Crouchen grape typically produces wines that are light-bodied and high in acidity, and it is often used in blends to balance out sweeter, fruitier varieties. The wine made from this grape is fresh and crisp, with flavors and aromas of apple, pear and citrus.
In some regions, notably in South Africa and Australia, the Crouchen grape has been used to create varietal wines, demonstrating a unique expression of the fruit. It's also known as Cape Riesling in South Africa and Clare Riesling in Australia, despite not having any relation to the renowned Riesling grape variety.
The growth of Crouchen can be quite vigorous and it generally performs best in cooler climates where it can retain its natural acidity. Nonetheless, it is quite versatile and can adapt to a range of soil types.
Time of harvest can play a crucial role in the character of Crouchen based wines. Early harvesting can lead to wines with pronounced acidity and green floral notes whereas later harvesting tends to produce wines with more ripe and tropical fruit flavors.
