|
Acolon is a red wine grape created by hybridization of its parent varieties Dornfelder and Lemberger by viticulturalists in Germany in 1971. The main production areas are Pfalz, Wurttemberg, Rheinhessen and Franken.
Acolon is deep purple in color, and is described as having cherry, berry and spice flavors, with a subtle plum aroma generally attributed to its Dornfelder heritage. Acolon creates a soft wine, deep red and with mild tannins, sometimes made in sweet styles. These qualities are desirable in cooler climates where the growing conditions make deep color and ripe tannins difficult to achieve with other more traditional varieties. Blended with other grapes, it contributes its own flavors and may dilute the less ripe characteristics of the other components, while on its own it has sufficient character to produce wines of acceptable quality.
Acolon was first officially recognized as a variety in 2002, three decades after its creation. The vine has only a small area under vine in Germany, amounting to roughly 200 acres (80 ha) in 2001 and 338 acres (135 ha) recorded in 2011. Some Acolon vines are also to be found growing in England and Belgium, where its early ripening, good color, low acidity and disease resistance make it an attractive alternative to or partner with varieties like Pinot Noir.
|
