Origin: The variety was probably selected as a mutation of Pinot Noir in Burgundy. From there, it made its way to Lake Balaton in Hungary under Charles IV. In 1586, General Lazarus von Schwendi brought it from Tokaj (Hungary) to Alsace and the Kaiserstuhl. 

Characteristics: The leaves are pentagonal with a wedge-shaped central lobe and usually slightly convex. The bud burst and ripening time is medium to late. The tendency to couluring is low and the winter frost resistance is good. The semi-erect growth favours the formation of side shoots. In order to achieve high quality, yield-reducing measures and appropriate foliage work are indispensable. The Ruländer is mutation-friendly, which means that white or blue berries as well as completely coloured grapes can appear in the vineyards. Due to the compact grapes, the variety is susceptible to botrytis. In warm, humid autumn weather, there is a high risk of infestation with sour rot. In favourable weather, very high ripeness stages are possible. 

Grape: The grapes are medium sized, cylindrical to shouldered, very dense berries and depending on the ripeness stage grey to reddish brown in colour. The berries are round to elongated, pressed and thin-skinned.

Wine: In wine, a wide spectrum from slightly spritzy to voluminous is possible. Traditionally, the tendency to noble rot was used to produce top-class noble sweet selections, berry and dry berry selections. In addition to the rather voluminous wine type, a mostly dry-fruited wine of the variety has become established on the market. Here, the grapes are harvested in a healthy state to produce fruity, lean and dry wines. Qualitative requirements are a good extract and sufficient acidity. 

Cultivation: Pinot Gris prefers well-aerated vineyard sites with deep, strong soils and a good water supply. Shallow rocky soils as well as gravel and sandy soils are to be excluded. For appealing wines, good sites are necessary so that at least 80 degrees Oechsle are reached.

Clones

• The clone FR 49-207 was the standard clone in Germany for a long time. It produces reliable yields and good must weights. However, the grapes are very compact, which makes them very susceptible to rot.
  
  
• The clones 1-31, 1-32 and 1-33 Gm are more resistant to botrytis and rot than the traditional clones. Yields are high at 120 kg/Ar or more. These clones are suitable for making fresh, fruity and lean Pinot Gris wines, but can also produce full-bodied and powerful wines when harvested late.  
  
  
• The FR 2003 clone is characterised by medium-sized, mixed-berry grapes with a medium yield.
  
  
• The clones SMA 514 and 505 are somewhat looser grapes due to their high susceptibility to rotting and produce medium yields. In very good blossom, both clones are compact, in poor blossom conditions there can be a strong drop in yield.
  
  
• The clones FR 2007 and 27 Gm are known for their small, mixed-berry and loose grapes. The yield is clearly lower with an average of 70-90 kg/Ar, thus the must weight performance is high. Both clones are suitable for the premium segment.