Rondo

Summary

Rondo is a red PIWI variety developed at Geilweilerhof in Germany, which has become the dominant red grape variety in the United Kingdom and one of the most important red PIWI varieties for cool climate viticulture globally. Released in 1999, Rondo combines excellent disease resistance with exceptional cold hardiness and early ripening, enabling red wine production in regions previously considered too marginal. With approximately 500 hectares planted—primarily in the UK, Germany, and northern Europe—Rondo produces deeply colored, fruity red wines and has proven that quality red wine can be made sustainably in challenging climates.

Identity

VIVC: Entry #4495
Berry Color: NOIR
Type: PIWI (Interspecific hybrid)

Breeding Number: Gm 6494-5

Creator: Geilweilerhof Research Station (now JKI), Germany
Year: 1964 (crossing); 1999 (release)

Name Origin: Named “Rondo” suggesting the circular, complete character of the variety

Genetic Origin

Parentage: Zarya severa × Saint Laurent

Breaking down the parentage:

• Zarya severa: Russian variety with Vitis amurensis heritage; provides extreme cold hardiness
• Saint Laurent: Austrian quality red vinifera; provides wine quality

Breeding Achievement: Combined Russian cold tolerance with European wine quality

Disease Resistance Profile

Disease	Resistance Level	Notes
Downy Mildew	HIGH	Strong resistance
Powdery Mildew	HIGH	Strong resistance
Botrytis	HIGH	Good resistance
Black Rot	HIGH	Good resistance

Spray Reduction: 70-90% reduction vs. traditional varieties

Cold Hardiness: Excellent—survives -25°C (-13°F)

Distribution

Total Global Plantings: ~500 hectares

Country	Hectares	Notes
UK	~200	Dominant red variety
Germany	~120	Established
Belgium	~60	Significant
Netherlands	~50	Important
Poland	~40	Growing
Scandinavia	~30	Emerging

Key Success: UK’s most planted red grape variety

UK Wine Industry Significance

Rondo’s importance in English wine:

Why Rondo Dominates

1. Disease Resistance: Critical in wet English climate
2. Early Ripening: Matures before autumn rains
3. Cold Hardiness: Survives harsh winters
4. Color: Deep enough for serious red wine
5. Reliability: Consistent cropping

English Wine Context

• Red wine is challenging in UK climate
• Traditional vinifera reds often fail
• Rondo enables commercial red production
• Many award-winning English Rondo wines

Viticulture

Growth Characteristics

• Vigor: Medium to high
• Growth Habit: Semi-erect
• Budbreak: Medium
• Flowering: Early to mid-season
• Véraison: EARLY
• Harvest: EARLY (September in UK)

Climate Requirements

• Ideal Climate: Cool to cool-marginal
• Heat Summation: 900-1,400 GDD (base 10°C)
• Cold Hardiness: Survives -25°C (-13°F)
• Humidity Tolerance: Good (suits wet climates)

Soil Preferences

• Adaptable: Various soil types
• UK Success: Performs on English chalk and clay
• Effect: Terroir influences style

Viticultural Management

• Training: VSP, GDC, or other systems
• Pruning: Standard practices
• Yield Control: 50-80 hl/ha
• Spray Program: Significantly reduced
• Canopy Management: Important for ripening

Enology

Must Parameters at Harvest

Parameter	Typical Range	Notes
Brix	19-23°	Good for cool climate
pH	3.2-3.6	Variable
Titratable Acidity	7.0-10.0 g/L	Can be high
YAN	150-250 mg/L	May need supplementation

Phenolic Profile

• Anthocyanins: HIGH (excellent color)
• Total Tannins: Medium
• Character: Fruity, approachable

Fermentation

• Yeast Selection: Various options
• Temperature: 24-28°C
• Duration: 7-14 days
• Maceration: Short to medium
• Cap Management: Standard

Wine Styles

Style	Method	Character
Fresh/Fruity	Short maceration, no oak	Primary fruit
Classic	Moderate maceration, light oak	Balanced
Reserve	Extended techniques, oak	More complex
Rosé	Direct press	Deep pink

Oak Treatment

• Optional: Light oak preferred
• Duration: 6-12 months if used
• Effect: Adds complexity; softens acidity

Aging Potential

• Fresh Style: 1-3 years
• Oak-Aged: 3-7 years
• Character: Generally best young

Sensory Profile

Visual

• Intensity: Deep
• Hue: Purple to ruby
• Character: Excellent color for cool climate red

Aromatic Profile

Category	Descriptors
Fruit	DARK CHERRY, blackberry, plum
Spice	Black pepper
Herbal	Subtle herbs
Oak	Cedar, vanilla (if oaked)

Palate

• Body: Medium
• Acidity: Medium to medium-high
• Tannins: Medium, soft
• Alcohol: Moderate (11-13%)
• Finish: Fruity, balanced

Quality Assessment

Well-made Rondo:

• Deep color impresses
• Fruity and approachable
• Clean, no hybrid character
• Competitive with vinifera

Winemaker Considerations

Challenges

1. Acidity: May be high in cool years
2. Market Position: PIWI stigma in some markets
3. Depth: Limited complexity vs. premium vinifera
4. Recognition: Name less familiar
5. Yields: Needs control for quality

Opportunities

1. Cool Climate Leader: Enables red wine production
2. Sustainability: Excellent disease resistance
3. Color: Deep enough for serious reds
4. UK Market: Established reputation
5. Regional Identity: English wine success story

Winemaking Tips

• Harvest timing critical for balance
• Short maceration preserves fruit
• Oak can add complexity
• MLF softens high acidity
• Market regional identity

Comparison with Other Cool Climate Reds

Characteristic	Rondo	Regent	Maréchal Foch
Color	Deep	Deep	Deep
Ripening	Early	Medium	Very Early
Cold Hardy	Excellent	Good	Extreme
Body	Medium	Medium	Medium-Full
Best Climate	Cool-Marginal	Cool	Very Cold

English Wine Success Stories

Notable Rondo achievements in UK:

• Multiple international awards
• Featured in major wine guides
• Growing critical recognition
• Proving English reds viable

Sources

• VIVC Database - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
• Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
• PIWI International Association
• Wine GB (UK wine industry body)
• English Wine Producers
• German Wine Institute

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Last Updated: January 13, 2026