The guide to German Wines and German Wine Regions

With a viticultural history dating back to Roman times, Germany's winemaking tradition is as diverse as its picturesque landscapes. German wines can be tricky to get to grips with, but once you learn a few basics, it all becomes much clearer. 

German Grape Varieties

Germany boasts an array of grape varieties that flourish in its varied microclimates. 

Riesling

Riesling is the heart and soul of German wines. The grape's versatility allows winemakers to craft a range of styles, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Mosel Rieslings are celebrated for their vibrant acidity, delicate fruit flavours, and distinct mineral notes, making them a favourite among wine connoisseurs worldwide. On the other hand, the Rheingau region produces more full-bodied Rieslings, with tropical fruit aromas and a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. 

White varieties

While Riesling is undoubtedly the crown jewel, there is a cornucopia of other intriguing grape varieties to discover in Germany. Müller-Thurgau, known for its aromatic profile, and Silvaner, with its mineral-driven character, are prominent German white wine varieties. 

Red varieties

Meanwhile, Spätburgunder, German for Pinot Noir, reigns as the flagship red, producing elegant and velvety wines. Germany is home to lesser-known gems such as Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), and Dornfelder, adding to the kaleidoscope of flavours German wine has to offer.

German Wine Regions

Mosel

Nestled along the winding Mosel River, this region is known for its ethereal Rieslings, with slate-rich soils contributing to the wines' delicate fruit flavours and distinct mineral notes.

Rheingau

Famous for its rich and full-bodied Rieslings, the Rheingau's south-facing slopes bask in ample sunlight, resulting in wines with ripe fruit flavours and a perfect harmony between sweetness and acidity.

Franken

Renowned for Silvaner, wines from this region exhibit refreshing acidity and a pronounced mineral character, while winemakers embrace tradition, using the Bocksbeutel bottle for their exceptional wines.

Pfalz

Extending from the Rhine to Lake Constance, Pfalz's warm climate produces full-bodied Spätburgunders and a diverse range of white wines, including Grauburgunder and Weißburgunder.

Baden 

With a warm climate and impressive diversity, Baden excels in producing full-bodied Spätburgunders, rivalling those of Burgundy, while respecting modern winemaking techniques and the region's rich terroir.

Ahr

Known as Spätburgunder's sanctuary, this small region is dedicated to producing exceptional Pinot Noir wines, characterised by their velvety texture and expressive red fruit flavours.

Württemberg

Celebrated for its red wines, especially Trollinger and Lemberger, this region offers a vibrant range of flavours and styles.

Styles of German Wine

Kabinett

At the lighter end of the sweetness spectrum, Kabinett wines are fresh and vibrant with a touch of sweetness balanced by lively acidity. They make for delightful apéritifs and pair well with light dishes like salads and seafood.

Spätlese

"Late harvest" wines, Spätlese wines offer a touch more sweetness than Kabinett but remain beautifully balanced. Their fruit-forward character and nuanced sweetness complement spicy cuisines and fruity desserts.

Auslese

Selectively harvested, Auslese wines are more intensely sweet, displaying rich honeyed notes and ripe fruit flavours. They are excellent partners for blue cheeses or even foie gras.

Beerenauslese (BA) and Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA)

These rare treasures are made from individually selected, botrytis-affected grapes. Beerenauslese wines are lusciously sweet, while Trockenbeerenauslese wines are even more concentrated and prized as some of the world's finest dessert wines.

Eiswein

Harvested in the coldest winter months, Eiswein, or ice wine, is a labour of love. The grapes are left to freeze on the vine, concentrating their sugars and flavours. The result is a luxurious, intensely sweet wine with remarkable acidity, making it a decadent treat on special occasions.