Rizvanec is a locally grown variety of Mueller-Thurgau, a very popular vine in Germany where it is cultivated on 26% of all the area under viticulture; the wine is much less popular in Slovenia and is grown only in Podravje region. Rizvanec (Mueller-Thurgau) was developed by the Swiss ampelographer Hermann Mueller in 1882 (he added the name of his canton to his family name). Some literature still gives the crossbreed as White Riesling x (Green) Silvaner, but recent genetic research has ruled out Silvaner as the "male" parent. The modern assumption is that Rizvanec is the result of crossing and recrossing White Rieslings from different viticultural regions, but we will never really know: Professor Mueller was very secretive about his work and no written records exist.
Rizvanec is probably the most successful of white crossbreeds. It will grow on almost any soil or site although it does prefer deep and nutritious ground. It is modest in its claims on climate, resistant against winter cold and spring frosts, rich in yield, and early in maturing. The grapes are big and heavy, the berries oval and yellow-green in colour; the pulp has a light muscat aroma.
Rizvanec must is moderate in sugar. The wine is light, fresh, mild and pleasant, low in acidity, and has a distinct Muscatel aroma. With its low acids, the wine does not age well and should be consumed no later than two years after fermentation.
Rizvanec is much less popular in Slovenia than in Germany and is mostly grown - with good results - - in the Maribor, Srednje Slovenske Gorice, Haloze, and Prekmurske Gorice areas.
Rizvanec should be served at 10 - 12 °C (50 - 53.6 °F) with poached or smoked fish or light cheeses.
