Bacchus

Bacchus is a heavily scented German grape variety, a crossing between Silvaner x Riesling with Muller-Thurgau, bred in 1933 by Peter Morio, and was first authorized in Germany in 1972. A productive variety that ripens relatively early to produce good sugar levels, it is good in cooler climates like Germany and England but only having moderately acidity level.

When fully ripe the exotic characters emerge, with some grassy characters similar to Sauvignon Blanc, but more floral and with elderflower. At low yield or BA/TBA level it can be overpowering. It is often blended with Muller-Thurgau in Rheinhessen into everyday QbA wines. There are some planted in Mosel-Saar-Ruwer and Franken, even in England, where it is the the second most planted white variety.

It is made as a varietal in England, for aromatic fresh wines. Best producers include Barkham Manor, Chapel Down in England, Juliusspital and Klaus Zimmerling in Germany.

I have recently tasted the Juliusspital Wurzberg Bacchus 2012 and below is my tasting note:

Appearance

Bright and clear, it has light lemon-green color, with bubbles but quickly dissipated and legs.

Nose

Clean, with medium intensity aromas showing green fruit of green apple, citrus fruit of grapefruit, floral notes of acacia and apple blossom, mineral notes of steely and petrol. The wine is youthful. 

Palate

Off-dry with medium (+) acidity, this wine medium (-) alcohol, medium (-) body, with medium intensity flavors of green fruit of apple, stone fruit of peach, floral notes of honeysuckle, mineral notes of steely. The wine has a medium (-) finish.

Conclusion

Good quality German Bacchus with some bubbles upon pouring, the wine has reasonable concentration showing fair complexity, with mostly fruit and floral balancing with good mineral notes. The palate is off-dry, with good freshness and balance, of clean and crisp texture. Fair on palate intensity but the finish is a bit short. A refreshing wine to enjoy chilled during summer time. It is ready to drink now and not intend for ageing.