| Silvaner | |
|---|---|
| Grape (Vitis) | |
 Silvaner in Viala & Vermorel | |
| Color of berry skin | Blanc |
| Species | Vitis vinifera |
| Also called | Sylvaner, Gros-Rhin, Grüner Silvaner, Johannisberger, Sylvaner verde (more) |
| Origin | Central Europe, possibly Austria |
| Notable regions | Alsace, Austria, Franconia, other regions of Germany |
| VIVC number | 11805 |
Silvaner or Sylvaner (German: [zɪlˈvaːnɐ] ) is a variety of white wine grape grown primarily in Alsace and Germany, where its official name is Grüner Silvaner. While the Alsatian versions have primarily been considered simpler wines, it was included among the varieties that can be used to produce Alsace Grand Cru wine in 2006, together with the four 'noble grapes' of Alsace, although only in one vineyard, Zotzenberg.
This dichotomy is explained by the vigour of the Sylvaner vine and the grape's neutral flavour, which can lead to blandness unless yields are controlled. On the other hand, it gives a blank canvas for the expression of terroir, and on good sites with skilled winemaking, Sylvaner can produce elegant wines. It has high acidity but naturally reaches high must weights, so is often blended with other varieties such as Riesling or Elbling, and is sometimes made into a dessert wine.