Hibernal

Hibernal is a hybrid white grape variety developed in 1944 by Heinrich Birk at the Geisenheim Grape Breeding Institute in Germany. It is a crossing of Seibel 7053 (a hybrid red grape known as Chancellor) and Riesling. It contains genes from Vitis labrusca, Vitis lincecumii, Vitis rupestris, and Vitis vinifera.

It has been permitted commercially in Europe since 1999. It is grown mainly in the Czech Republic (407 Ha) and Poland.

The variety is winter-hardy and can resist even severe frosts, making it fit for cooler climates.

The wines tend to show good acidity and body. Typically, Hibernal wines show aromas of elderberry flowers, cornflower, and grapefruit with hints of spice. The sweeter examples may show aromas of honey or honeycomb.

Hibernal wines
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