Bacchus
Bacchus is a unique white grape that stays well under the radar despite being predominantly grown on our doorstep here in the UK. Originating from Germany, it is believed to be a combination of Riesling-Silvaner and Müller-Thurgau first produced in the 1930’s, however it only became commercially available in the 1970s. Bacchus has since become more commonly grown in England due to the cooler climate and more favourable growing conditions – in fact, it’s the second most grown grape after Chardonnay. It’s known for producing some stunning white wines here and is often considered the UK’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc.
Bacchus Tasting Notes
Fresh Herbs
Grapefruit
Grass
Peach
Passion Fruit
When it comes to whites, Bacchus packs a punch compared to other varieties. Flavour can vary depending on the region, however generally speaking you can expect to find a strong herbaceous nuance on the nose, with key notes of citrus, elderflower and honeysuckle also apparent on the palate. English varieties in particular tend to have a more tropical feel with flavours of peach and passion fruit coming through, along with spicy and grassy undertones. Despite this rich combination of flavours, Bacchus generally still feels bright and refreshing.
Bacchus Wine Style
Clean and Crisp White Wine
Dry SweetBacchus is generally moderately high in acidity and has a distinct freshness to it. The wines hold their structure well and tend to be lighter-bodied and lower in alcohol, keeping them crisp. The style is very similar to that of Sauvignon Blanc, hence why this is often considered the English equivalent. Bacchus tends to be dry to off-dry although some regions such as Germany are known for being slightly sweeter and lower in acidity.
Wine Regions
England
Germany
Nowadays, Bacchus is predominantly grown here in England. The grape has become accustomed to thriving in the cooler climate, and it allows the acidity levels to be preserved when the grape is picked. Originally, Germany was the go-to for Bacchus. Today there are still around 1,000 hectares of this variety growing there, generally found in cooler regions such as Rheinhessen and Franken. Elsewhere in the world, Bacchus is hard to come by, with only small amounts being grown in Switzerland and even Canada.
What Food Goes with Bacchus?
Salty foods are a great place to start when looking to pair with Bacchus, as it helps to bring out the fruity notes within the wine. Fish and Chips make a great match with Bacchus for this reason. In fact, seafood in general is a really good option with the acidity and freshness complimenting crab or prawns perfectly. Fresh green salads also pair well as they help to keep the wine feeling bright and refreshing.
