Germany is a unique country with beautifully diverse wine regions. German wine is marked by rich acidity, whether in a Mosel Riesling Kabinett or a Baden Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir). Many grape varieties are shared with the winemakers of France but go by different names. Pinot Gris is Grauburgunder, Pinot Noir is Spätburgunder, Pinot Blanc is Weissburgunder. You can find other international varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, but they aren't as common. Many people are surprised to learn that Germany makes beautiful red wines, not just white.
What are the best German wines?
One barrier to entry is the vocabulary used to label the ripeness of German Riesling and quality level on German wine labels. Growers from different regions will use different terminology. For Qualitätswein, the levels of sweetness are trocken (dry wine), Halbtrocken (slightly sweet wine), Liebliche (sweet wine), and Süss (very sweet). In the Mosel Valley, you will see Pradikatswein, or “Qualitätswein mit Prädikat” on the label. The following levels are based on sweetness and range: Kabinet (dry to off-dry Riesling with just a bit of residual sugar), Spätlese ("late harvest" off-dry wines), Auslese ("select harvest" grapes are handpicked with botrytis), Beerenauslese (dessert wine that fetches staggering prices), Trockenbeerenauslese (even more difficult and rare), and Eiswein (picked in the winter when the grapes have frozen). At the very least, if you encounter Qualitätswein or Pradikatswein, you can be assured you have a high-quality wine.
What are the most popular wine regions in Germany?
As climate change continues to affect viticulture, we see German wines begin to change. Fruity examples of Gewürztraminer and Müller-Thurgau are becoming more common. German sparkling wine is coming up as well, and Riesling Sekt (Germany's answer to Champagne) is a hidden gem that offers a reprieve from Italian Prosecco or Spanish Cava. We think that the wines of Germany deserve more attention and look forward to seeing them gain popularity in the United States.
Want to learn more about German wines?
Want to learn more about wine? Check out Wine School, where wine drinkers of all levels can learn more about their favorite wines.