General information
Bronner is a white, mold-resistant grape variety developed at the Freiburg Wine Institute. The variety is a cross of Merzling × Gm 6494 (Zarya Severa × St. Laurent), and is also known by the synonym FR 177-68. The leaves are large, five-lobed, and dark green, with noticeably little pubescence. Compared to Pinot Blanc, bud formation, flowering, and ripening begin about a week later.

Grape
The grape's style is largely similar to Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder) or Johanniter. Bronner produces medium-sized, golden-yellow grapes with a neutral aroma and balanced acidity.

Resistance

• Peronospora (downy mildew): +++
• Oidium (powdery mildew): +++

Under normal circumstances, chemical treatments are not necessary.

Wine
Bronner's wine is fresh and neutral in character, with a light apple note in the bouquet. At full maturity, the wines have good structure, comparable to Pinot Blanc. Bronner is well-suited for dry white wines or blends with other mild grape varieties.

Cultivation advice
Bronner's frost resistance is excellent, making it suitable for northern or higher-elevation vineyards. Its site requirements are similar to those of Burgundy varieties, with a clear preference for a good and regular water supply.

Preparing the vine
Bronner grows vigorously and manageably, with few double shoots. The plant produces a stable yield and requires little crop protection, making it suitable for organic or low-maintenance plantings.

Ground preparation

• On calcareous soil: improve with lava grit
• On sandy soil: improve with bentonite and lava flour

Planting out
Soak your vine in a bucket of water for 24 hours. This allows it to soak up some water before planting.

Plant between May 1st and 15th. Use a soil auger or spade to dig a planting hole 10 cm in diameter and 30 cm deep. Insert the graft just above the ground, so that the vine protrudes 5 to 10 cm above the ground.

Planting distance

• In line: 1 meter
• Between rows: 1.5 to 1.8 meters