Silvaner
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Silvaner is a white wine grape variety. It is also called Grüner Silvaner, Sylvaner or Oesterreicher and reached Germany probably in the 17th century from southern Europe (probably Siebenbürgen), where it was until the Seventies the most common grape with a share of nearly 30%. After that, its share dropped continuously. Today it's grown mainly in Franconia, where it is dominant because it best fits the terroir. Other areas are Austria, Switzerland and Alsace.
The character of Silvaner is much influenced by the terroir. On limestone it is often neutral, while on other soils, like in Franconia and the Kaiserstuhl, it yields fine, elegant wines.
Growing area in Germany today is 6,101 ha (5.9% of total area).
