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Orion (grape)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Orion
Grape (Vitis)
SpeciesHybrid grape
Also calledGeilweilerhof GA-58-30
OriginGermany
VIVC number8802

Orion is a white wine grape variety of German origin. It was created by Dr. Gerhardt Alleweldt (1927-2005) at the Geilweilerhof Institute for Grape Breeding in Siebeldingen in 1964, by crossing the Vitis vinifera variety Optima with the hybrid grape Villard Blanc.[1][2] Therefore, Orion is itself a hybrid grape (interspecific crossing) rather than a pure Vitis vinifera.

Orion derives its name from the mythological hunter Orion, which gave the constellation Orion its name.[2] The grape variety is also known under the synonyms Geilweilerhof GA-58-30 and Gf. GA-58-30.[1]

Orion is grown in small quantities in the UK at the Royal Horticultural Society's Wisley Garden, where it is used together with the Phoenix hybrid grape to produce a dry white wine.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b Vitis International Variety Catalogue: Orion, accessed on May 16, 2008
  2. ^ a b Wein-Plus Glossar: Orion, accessed on January 24, 2013
  3. ^ "Visit RHS Wisley - English Vineyard". Wine Cellar Door. Retrieved 2024-09-16.