Introduction

By Lisa Rowlands

As with most of the neighbouring nations, the first reference to wine in Germany dates back to the first century, around the town of Trier in the southwest of the country. Initially a simple case of Romans making wine for their own consumption, the practice quickly developed and spread to other regions. During the Middle Ages, Cistercian and Benedictine monks were particularly influential in developing quality-focused viticulture, and some of the properties established as monasteries back then, are amongst the nation’s most celebrated wine estates today. Various changes in law have led to many vine parcels being divided and hence vineyards across the country are noticeably small, but the most prestigious wineries still hold enough land to produce wine for both the domestic and export markets.

Germany’s cool, continental climate presents a number of challenges to the country’s winemakers. The unpredictable weather and cooler temperatures of this northern latitude mean that vineyard sites must be carefully selected and viticultural activity very closely managed. Most of Germany’s key winemaking sites occupy steep slopes with a south / southwestern aspect, and almost all are located in close proximity to one of the country’s river systems, this having the effect of moderating temperatures. Soils of limestone, clay and slate, depending on location, complete the country’s terroir.

Today, there are thirteen official wine regions in Germany of which Rheinhessen is the largest by area, and Mosel, perhaps the most prestigious. In all, the country cultivates 102,000 hectares of vineyard with more than one-hundred-and-thirty grape varieties represented. These range from obscure hybrids such as Albalonga, to well-known international varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (referred to here by the alias Spätburgunder). Riesling though, is the country’s signature grape, a variety synonymous with the steep vineyards that cling to the banks of the Moselle river, where it delivers elegant, crisp and fragrant wines of real character. Germany remains predominantly a white wine nation, however in response to an increase in domestic demand towards the end of the twentieth century, red wines now account for more than one third of the country’s production.

Regions of Germany

Ahr Valley

One of Germany’s smallest and indeed coolest wine regions, the Ahr Valley has made a name for itself with Pinot Noir, or Spätburgunder as it is known in Germany.

Read more ▸ 9 Villages6 producers24 wines

Franconia

Franconia, or Franken, as it is also called, is home to some interesting white wines, many of which are made from Sylvaner and Müller-Thurgau due to the region’s continental climate. Many of the top vineyards chart a W shaped path along the south facing slopes of the River Main and its tributaries. The early ripening Silvaner is also popular here.

Read more ▸ 18 Villages16 producers47 wines

Baden

Located in the South West of Germany, the Baden region is home to some truly excellent wines. One of the largest in the country, Baden is divided into nine Bereiche.

Read more ▸ 24 Villages10 producers28 wines

Hessische Bergstraße

Hessische Bergstraße is the smallest wine region in Germany and takes its name from an old Roman trade route that runs through a beautiful landscape of rolling hills and vineyards. Riesling and Pinot Noir are the most important grapes in this region, producing rich and fragrant wines with body and freshness.

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