Germany is known across the world for its impressive white wine, but what is often overlooked is the fact that the country also produces a variety of brilliant red and rosé wines. The wine regions of Germany are notably diverse, each with its own unique terroir and winemaking traditions. Let us take a deeper look at the different types of German wine and what makes them so special.
There are 13 major wine regions in Germany, with the most famous and productive of them being Mosel, Rheingau and Pfalz. The German wine region of Mosel was named after the Mosel River and is located in southwest Germany. The vineyards in Mosel are planted adjacent to the Mosel River, which offers one of the most breath-taking landscapes of steep, hillside vineyards. Mosel is world renowned for its elegant and deeply impressive Rieslings, the Rheingau is home to numerous top-quality estates and the Pfalz region is well known for its diverse range of wines, from sweet to dry.
One of the most unique things about German wine is that each wine is often classified by the ripeness of the grape at harvest. This distinctive classification is known as the Prädikatswein system is divided into five classes of ascending ripeness at harvest: kabinett, spätlese, auslese, beerenauslese (including eiswein) and trockenbeerenauslese. Wines at the top end of the scale ae the sweetest and most luscious, compared to that of the bottom end.
The German Riesling, however, is unquestionably the country’s flagship wine. German grown Riesling grapes often produce wines with high acidity and minerality, which offers a unique balance of sweetness and crispness. German Riesling wine can often range from dry to sweet and can age for several decades. German Riesling wine is appraised at being on of the finest white wines in the world, with the added bonus of it pairing well with a variety of different foods.
Riesling isn’t the only showstopper, though, other popular white wine varietals produced in Germany include Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner and Grauburgunder (also known as Pinot Gris). Gewürztraminer, which is mainly grown throughout the Pfalz region is also gaining rapid popularity among wine lovers. For those of you red wine lovers, Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and Dornfelder are worth trying.
Germany has also spearheaded the rise of organic and biodynamic wine production, which allows for the true terroir and grape varietals to be expressed within the wines they produce. Over the last 5 years, more and more wineries are either switching over or including organic and biodynamic wine making practices.
German Wine is full of pleasant surprises and offers an impressive range of styles and flavours. German wine is a true reflection of the country's rich wine-making heritage and offers a unique taste experience that you don't want to miss. Whether you're a crisp, dry Riesling type of person or you prefer the rich, sweet flavours of a Trockenbeerenauslese, there's a German wine for everyone. The Oddbins German wine range is certain to serve up something to complement your choices perfectly. Not sure which would best suit your palate or meal? Want to know the best German wines to give as a gift? Contact our helpful team for advice via Live Chat, e-mail or by calling 0800 328 23 23 for all the help you need.
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