The Wine Reference🍷 SupportBacchus grape
Bacchus is a white grape known for citrus, herbs, floral. Its best-known homes are England.
Origin and history
Bred in 1933 at Geilweilerhof in the Pfalz by Peter Morio and Bernhard Husfeld, crossing (Silvaner × Riesling) with Müller-Thurgau.
Where it grows
England (Kent, Sussex, Essex and the West Country), plus Germany's Franken and Rheinhessen, where it is used mainly in blends.
Structure
Light to medium body, high acidity and low to moderate alcohol; usually dry, sometimes off-dry.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: elderflower, lemon, grapefruit, gooseberry and cut grass. Rarely aged; it can turn honeyed after a few years.
Ageing
Best within 1–3 years.
Good to know
Often called 'England's answer to Sauvignon Blanc', it is the country's leading grape for still white wine because it ripens early in a cool climate.
Wine regions for Bacchus
Bacchus wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Renegade Urban Winery Jamie Bacchus Nat Fizz
London · English Wine · Bacchus
Cloudy London pet-nat from Herefordshire Bacchus: elderflower, grapefruit and gentle fizz.
Food: Goat's cheese, salads
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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