Huxelrebe [HOOK-sehl-reh-buh]
A German white-wine grape derived from a cross of Weisser Gutedel (Chasselas) and Courtillier Musqué. Huxelrebe, grown primarily in the German regions of Rheinhessen and Pfalz, is named after viticulturist Fritz Huxel, who bred this hybrid extensively in the late 1920s. Huxelrebe is also grown in England. If carefully pruned, these vines can produce grapes with good acidity and high sugar content, which reward the winemaker with very good Auslese wines, even in poor vintages. Conversely, uncontained growth and high yields result in lackluster wines. Huxelrebe is often used as a blending wine.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.