Uhudler
Uhudler is a unique type of wine produced in the Burgenland region of Austria.
It's made from hybrid grape varieties that are a cross between Vitis vinifera (the common European wine grape species) and American species of grapes. These grape types were originally introduced to Europe in an attempt to resist phylloxera, a pest that devastated European vineyards in the 19th century.
Some of the varieties used include the grapes Concord, Delaware, Elvira, and Ripatella. Uhudler is distinctive for its powerful fruit flavors, often described as reminiscent of strawberries or blackberries, and its high acidity. The wine also has a unique aroma, sometimes described as "foxy", a characteristic of wines made from these hybrid grape varieties. Read more
Due to the use of these hybrid grapes, Uhudler has faced controversy and legal restrictions within Austria and the European Union. Some concerns were raised about the high levels of methanol in the wine, but tests have shown that the levels are within safe limits.
Still, the cultivation and sale of Uhudler were regulated until the early 1990s. Nowadays, on the basis of the Austrian Wine Law, Uhudler can be marketed in 8 communities of Burgenland. Uhudler is typically enjoyed as a young wine, either red or white, and is often made into a rosé or a frizzante (lightly sparkling) wine.
It's become something of a cult favorite for its unique qualities and the traditions and history associated with its production.
