FIND A LIQUOR MART
Cool Climate Excellence
With a viticultural history dating back to Roman times, Germany is one of the coolest wine growing countries in the world. Vineyards are planted on the banks of rivers, utilizing their moderating influence, and light-reflecting properties. Historically, the focus has been on sweeter white varieties, but the warming climate has renewed the focus on red grapes and dry whites. Famous for centuries for sweet white wines that can age for long periods, Germany has never been as diverse as it is today.
Notable Regions
Mosel
Situated on the very steep slate banks of the twisting Mosel River, this region is known for light and delicate wines from the Riesling grape. These wines walk a tightrope balance of acidity and sweetness, rarely attaining more then 10% alcohol.
Rheingau
The centre of the Rheingau is basically one long, south facing hill that overlooks the Rhine River. Most of the vineyards are found here. Slightly warmer than the Mosel, the style of Riesling is richer, fuller in body, with higher alcohol due to the slightly warmer climate. Dry wines are more common from this region then the Mosel.
Rheinhessen
Germany’s largest wine region is called “the land of a thousand hills” and a variety of agricultural crops are found here. Riesling and Müller-Thurgau are dominant whites grown here, along with a variety of others. One third of the regions plantings are red varieties, like Dornfelder and Pinot Noir. Quality levels vary in the region, from generic blends to quality wines coming from exceptional sites.
Other areas of note
Baden is the most southerly region, and the warmest in all of Germany. Spätburgunder is the most planted grape here. Alsace, France is located directly to the east of Baden. Pfalz is slightly further north from Baden and is very sunny and dry. It is the second warmest region, and the second largest in terms of production. Riesling and Dornfelder are the most grown varieties.
Key Varietals
Riesling
Making wines of every sweetness level, Riesling is one of the world’s great wine grapes. This wine is always high in acidity, often balancing it with sweetness. This is the most planted grape variety in Germany, with the best versions having complexity and depth. The famous sweet wines made from Riesling are capable of long bottle ageing, developing complex notes of honey and petrol. Dry versions are becoming more common.
Food pairing: Off-dry versions work well with soft or blue cheese, and spicy foods, such as Thai food or curries. Drier versions pair with seafood and fish, and light chicken dishes.
Müller-Thurgau
A work-horse grape variety that is in slight decline in German vineyards. This wine is lightly aromatic, with apple, pear, and floral aromas. It is often part of a blend.
Food pairing: Müller-Thurgau is a light bodied wine that would pair well with equally light dishes, such as seafood and fish, light pork dishes and even asparagus.
Pinot Noir
Known as Spätburgunder, Germany is the third largest producer in the world. This finicky grape has been cultivated for many centuries. The wines are much lighter in both colour and body then Pinot Noirs from warmer climates. It is grown in the southern areas of Germany as well as in the Mosel and the Ahr Valleys.
Food pairing: With its lighter body, German Pinot Noir is perfect with pork tenderloin, salmon and even simple duck dishes. Soft cheeses would also pair well.
Dornfelder
This grape makes wines that are deeper in colour, full-bodied and full of dark fruits and spices. The vines are mainly found in the southern regions and have been increasing in acreage over the last few decades.
Food pairing: Try it with BBQ pork ribs, game, or even a burger. The straightforward, soft tannin nature of this wine makes it a good partner for grilled meats and barbeque sauces.
Did you know?
Germany is at the northern edge of reliable grape growing. As a result, the level of sugar in the grapes at harvest is important for quality wines.
Germany is the #1 producer of Riesling worldwide, with a tightrope balance of sugar and acidity at every sweetness level.
Germany also makes dry Rieslings with very little residual sugar. This is indicated by the word “Trocken” on the label.
