The Ortega varietal is a type of white grape that is primarily used in wine production. It was created in 1948 by a German viticulturist named Hans Breider through the cross-breeding of Müller-Thurgau and Siegerrebe grapes.
Ortega ripens early, is not sensitive to frost and reaches quite high must weights, typically higher than Müller-Thurgau. It is therefore often used for sweet wines, which are sometimes affected by noble rot.
The Ortega grape varietal produces wines that often have aromas and flavors of peaches, honey, and apricots. These wines can range from dry to incredibly sweet and are known for their high acidity which balances the sweetness well.
The grape is primarily grown in Germany, but it can also be found in England, Canada, and a few other wine regions around the world. It's not one of the most well-known or common grape varietals, but it is appreciated by many for its unique qualities.
