Schoenburger, also spelled Schönburger, is a white wine grape varietal that originated from Germany. It's a cross of Pinot Noir and a variety known as Chasselas x Muscat Hamburg. Created in the 1970s, it is now grown in various wine-making regions around the world, including United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand.
The characteristics of the varietal itself include a low acidity and a versatile range of flavors. The color of the wine it produces can range from light yellow to a deeper gold. The aroma is typically exotic and fragrant, with notes of musk, tropical fruit, and sometimes, rose petals. In terms of flavor, Schoenburger can have notes of apple, peach, and even grapefruit.
It is usually used on its own to make single-varietal wines, but it is also occasionally blended with other varieties. The taste is often described as soft and it has good weight on the palate. It is an early ripening grape, allowing for good sugar levels, and the wines it makes are typically best consumed young.
It pairs well with a variety of foods, from cheese to seafood, complementing a wide range of flavors. Despite its relative obscurity, Schoenburger is a pleasantly unique and versatile white wine worth exploring.
