Ortega (grape)

Ortega is a white grape variety primarily grown in Germany. It is a crossing of Müller-Thurgau and Siegerrebe, created in 1948 by Hans Breider at the Geisenheim Grape Breeding Institute. It was named after the Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset.

Ortega grapes ripen early and are known for their high sugar levels (must weight), making them suitable for producing dessert wines, particularly Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese. While it can also be used to produce dry wines, its propensity for high sugar content can sometimes lead to wines with a lack of acidity if not carefully managed.

The grape is relatively disease-resistant and is known for its consistent yields. Ortega wines are typically aromatic, exhibiting fruity characteristics such as apricot, peach, and pear. It is often blended with other varieties to add body and sweetness. Although mainly cultivated in Germany, it is also found in small quantities in England.