Souvignier Gris

Summary

Souvignier Gris is one of the most highly regarded white PIWI varieties, producing aromatic, full-bodied wines with complexity rivaling traditional premium whites. Developed at the Freiburg Research Institute in Germany in 1983, its pink-grey berries (similar to Pinot Gris) produce wines with golden color, rich aromatics, and excellent aging potential. With approximately 400 hectares and rapidly expanding, Souvignier Gris has become a flagship variety for premium PIWI wine production, demonstrating that disease-resistant varieties can compete at the highest quality levels.

Identity

VIVC: Entry #22831
Berry Color: GRIS (pink-grey)—like Pinot Gris
Type: PIWI (Interspecific hybrid)

Breeding Number: FR 392-83 (Freiburg)

Creator: Norbert Becker, Staatliches Weinbauinstitut Freiburg, Germany
Year: 1983 (crossing)

Name Origin: “Souvignier” possibly evokes Sauvignon; “Gris” refers to the grey-pink skin color

Genetic Origin

Parentage: Cabernet Sauvignon × Bronner

Breaking down the parentage:

Cabernet Sauvignon: Provides structure, complexity (unusual for white wine parent)
Bronner: PIWI variety (Merzling × Gm 6494); provides disease resistance

Breeding Achievement: Successfully created a white grape from red parent Cabernet Sauvignon while inheriting disease resistance from Bronner

Result: Premium white wine with grey/pink skin and complex aromatics

Disease Resistance Profile

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

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

Practical Impact: Quality white wine production with minimal environmental footprint

Distribution

Total Global Plantings: ~400 hectares (rapidly expanding)

Country	Hectares	Notes
Germany	~150	Origin; well-established
Switzerland	~100	Strong adoption
Austria	~50	Growing
Italy (South Tyrol)	~50	Emerging
France	~30	Increasing interest
Other	~20	Various

Growth Trend: Among the fastest-expanding premium white PIWI varieties

Viticulture

Growth Characteristics

Vigor: Medium
Growth Habit: Semi-erect
Budbreak: Medium
Flowering: Mid-season
Véraison: Medium
Harvest: Medium-late

Berry Characteristics

Skin Color: Pink-grey (gris)—like Pinot Gris
Effect: Contributes color to wine; copper-gold tints
Skin Contact: Option for enhanced color and texture

Climate Requirements

Ideal Climate: Cool to moderate continental
Heat Summation: 1,200-1,600 GDD (base 10°C)
Frost: Good tolerance
Versatility: Performs across Central European conditions

Soil Preferences

Adaptable: Various wine soils
Ideal: Well-drained with moderate fertility
Effect: Terroir influences aromatic expression

Viticultural Management

Training: Guyot or cordon
Pruning: Standard practices
Yield Control: 50-70 hl/ha for quality
Spray Program: Significantly reduced

Enology

Must Parameters at Harvest

Parameter	Typical Range	Notes
Brix	21-24°	Good accumulation
pH	3.2-3.5	Moderate
Titratable Acidity	6.0-8.0 g/L	Good
YAN	180-280 mg/L	Generally adequate

Phenolic Profile

Skin Phenolics: Contribute to structure and color
Character: Fuller than typical white PIWI

Aroma Compounds

Terpenes: Moderate (floral notes)
Thiols: Present
Complexity: Multi-layered aromatics

Fermentation Options

Method	Result
Direct Press	Lighter, fresher style
Skin Contact	Richer, more textured
Barrel Ferment	Complex, age-worthy

Skin Contact Potential

The grey skin allows extended skin contact:

Duration: 4-48 hours (or longer for “orange” style)
Effect: Enhanced color, texture, complexity
Style: Can produce amber/orange wines

Malolactic Fermentation

Optional: Style dependent
Fresh Style: Block MLF
Complex Style: Allow partial or full MLF

Oak Treatment

Standard: Neutral oak or stainless steel
Premium: Barrel fermentation
Duration: 6-12 months
Effect: Adds complexity without masking aromatics

Aging Potential

Fresh Style: 2-4 years
Oak-Aged: 5-10 years
Best Examples: 10+ years

Sensory Profile

Visual

Intensity: Medium to deep
Hue: GOLD with copper tints (distinctive)
Character: Richer than typical white wines

Aromatic Profile

Category	Descriptors
Stone Fruit	PEACH, apricot, nectarine
Tropical	Mango, passionfruit hints
Honey	HONEYED character
Spice	White pepper, ginger
Floral	Elderflower, acacia
Mineral	Flinty, chalky

Palate

Body: FULL (fuller than most white PIWI)
Acidity: Medium to medium-high
Texture: Rich, sometimes oily
Finish: Long, complex, spicy
Alcohol: Moderate to high (12.5-14%)

Comparison to Pinot Gris

Souvignier Gris similarities to Pinot Gris:

Grey-pink skin color
Golden/copper wine color
Full body
Rich aromatics
Skin contact potential

Winemaker Considerations

Challenges

Expectations: Name may confuse (not Sauvignon or Pinot Gris)
Recognition: Still building reputation
Style Decisions: Many options (skin contact, oak, MLF)
Premium Positioning: Justifying value
Availability: Limited nursery stock in some regions

Opportunities

Quality Leader: Among best white PIWI
Versatility: Multiple successful styles
Visual Impact: Beautiful gold/copper color
Sustainability: Strong environmental story
Premium Market: Commands higher prices

Winemaking Tips

Consider skin contact for complexity
Barrel fermentation enhances quality
Full body allows extended aging
Market distinctive appearance
Position as premium, age-worthy

Wine Styles

Style	Method	Character
Fresh/Aromatic	Direct press, stainless	Stone fruit, floral
Rich/Textured	Skin contact, sur lie	Full, complex
Oak-Aged	Barrel ferment	Structured, age-worthy
Orange/Amber	Extended skin contact	Tannic, oxidative

Comparison with Other Premium White PIWI

Characteristic	Souvignier Gris	Johanniter	Solaris
Berry Color	Grey-pink	Green	Green
Wine Color	Gold/copper	Pale	Pale
Body	Full	Medium	Light-Medium
Character	Rich, complex	Riesling-like	Muscat-like
Aging	5-10+ years	3-8 years	2-5 years

Premium Positioning

Souvignier Gris has achieved premium status:

Commands higher prices than most PIWI
Wins competitions against traditional varieties
Sought by quality-focused producers
Demonstrates PIWI can compete at highest levels

Sources

VIVC Database - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Staatliches Weinbauinstitut Freiburg
PIWI International Association
German Wine Institute
Swiss Wine Promotion
Becker, N. (2000). PIWI breeding at Freiburg. Vitis 39(4). Vitis Journal

Last Updated: January 13, 2026