The Wine Reference🍷 SupportSilvaner grape
Silvaner is a white grape known for apple, herbs, mineral. Its best-known homes are Franken.
Origin and history
An old Central European grape; DNA proves it a cross of Savagnin and Österreichisch Weiss, probably from Austria.
Where it grows
Germany (Franken, Rheinhessen), Alsace, Switzerland's Valais and Alto Adige.
Structure
Light to medium body with moderate acidity; mostly dry, with a quiet, earthy, textured character.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: green apple, pear, fresh herbs, hay and wet stone. With age: honey, nuts and smoky, earthy notes.
Ageing
Most is best within 2–5 years; top Franken Grosses Gewächs can age 10–15 years.
Also known as
Sylvaner, Grüner Silvaner, Johannisberg (Valais), Österreicher.
Good to know
Franken Silvaner is traditionally sold in the flat, round Bocksbeutel bottle; in Alsace, Zotzenberg is the only Grand Cru allowing Sylvaner.
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
The Wine Reference newsletter
New wines, stories and career guides, one email a week at most.
Over 18s only. Unsubscribe any time with one click. Your email is stored securely by Kit and never shared.
Support The Wine Reference
This guide is free, with no paywall. If it helped you choose a bottle, you can buy me a glass and keep it growing.
🍷 Buy me a glass