Johanniter is a white wine grape variety that is predominantly grown in Germany. It has an aromatic, fruity flavour profile, making it a favourite among German wine enthusiasts.
Johanniter grapes have a light yellow to greenish colour. The wines are usually pronounced in aroma and the acidity is high, similar to Riesling.
Johanniter is primarily found in Germany, although some winemakers have cultivated it in other countries, like Switzerland. Johanniter is a relatively late ripening variety, so it is best suited to better vineyard sites. In the winery, Johanniter is known to be quite forgiving and easy to work with, making it a popular choice for winemakers. Johanniter is commonly used in the production of dry white wines, although it can also be used for semi-sweet or sweet wines. In Germany, it is most commonly found in the regions of Rheinhessen, Pfalz and Nahe. The wines produced from this variety are typically light and fruity, with a slight honeyed note. Johanniter is an excellent wine to pair with food, particularly lighter dishes such as salads, seafood and white meats. Its mild, fruity flavour profile makes it an ideal accompaniment to a variety of dishes.
The Johanniter variety was named after its breeder "Johannes Zimmermann", the former head of vine breeding at the Freiburg Viticulture Institute in Germany.