Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 8, 2026

Merzling

Merzling is a white grape variety used for wine. It was bred in 1960 by Johannes Zimmermann at the viticultural institute in Freiburg, Germany by crossing Seyve-Villard 5276 with the cross Riesling × Pinot gris.

Last revised
Jul 8, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
199 w
Citations
5
Source
Merzling
Grape (Vitis)
Merzling grapes
SpeciesInterspecific crossing
Also calledFR 993-60
OriginFreiburg, Germany
Notable regionsGermany
VIVC number4251

Merzling is a white grape variety used for wine.12 It was bred in 1960 by Johannes Zimmermann at the viticultural institute in Freiburg, Germany by crossing Seyve-Villard 5276 with the cross Riesling × Pinot gris.

The variety was initially known under its breeding code FR 993-60, and was later named after Merzhausen, a location on the southern edge of Freiburg where some of the vineyards of the institute are located. It received varietal protection in 1993.

Properties

A Danish wine made from the Cabernet Cantor grape, an offspring of Merzling. source ↗

Merzling ripens early, gives high yields and shows good resistance against fungal diseases and spring frosts. Its wines are similar to those of Müller-Thurgau.1

Offspring

Due to its resistance against fungal diseases, Merzling and Merzling offspring has been used as a crossing partner for many other new crossings, including Baron, Bronner, Cabernet Cantor, Cabernet Carol, Cabernet Cortis, Helios, Monarch, Prior and Solaris.1

Synonyms

The only synonyms of Merzling are FR 993-60 or Freiburg 993-60.2

References

References

  1. Wein-Plus: Merzling, accessed on March 6, 2013
  2. Vitis International Variety Catalogue: Merzling Archived 2012-04-22 at the Wayback Machine, accessed on March 25, 2009