GERMANY

Understanding Wines: Style and Quality in Germany

Overview of German Wines

• Germany's Wine Reputation:

• Germany is internationally acclaimed for producing high-quality Rieslings, which are often considered among the best white wines in the world due to their balance of sweetness and acidity.

• In recent years, there has been a significant trend towards the production of red wines, with Pinot Noir (known locally as Spätburgunder) becoming increasingly prominent. This shift reflects evolving consumer preferences and the potential of Germany's terroir for producing elegant and expressive red wines.

Climate and Grapegrowing

• Climate Characteristics:

• The German wine regions benefit from a cool continental climate that varies greatly, allowing for diverse grape-growing conditions.

• The cooler climate is characterized by wetter summers and autumns, which can hinder the ripening process; however, favorable weather can lead to the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), essential for producing high-quality sweet wines.

• Regions such as Mosel and Rheingau have unique microclimates that contribute to the distinctiveness of wines from each area.

• Vineyard Location:

• Many vineyards are situated on steep slopes, a characteristic feature of German wine country, which helps maximize sunlight exposure and heat retention. This necessitates manual labor for vineyard maintenance, emphasizing the artisanal nature of German winemaking.

• The proximity of vineyards to rivers plays a crucial role; rivers provide a moderating effect on the climate, protect against frost, and reflect light onto the vines, enhancing the ripening process.

Grape Varieties and Wine Styles

• Riesling:

• Riesling is the most planted and significant grape variety in Germany, recognized for its versatility and ability to express the nuances of various terroirs. Depending on the region’s climate and soil composition, Riesling wines can showcase a spectrum of flavors, from floral and fruity to mineral and savory.

• German Rieslings range from bone dry to lusciously sweet, with dry Rieslings often labeled as Qualitätsweine, emphasizing their quality.

• Subcategories:

• Kabinett: Light in body, characterized by high acidity, flavors of green apple, and citrus notes; alcohol content usually ranges from 8-12% abv.

• Spätlese: Made from late-harvest grapes, more concentrated than Kabinett; known for their expressive stone fruit aromas, particularly apricot and peach.

• Auslese: Crafted from selectively harvested, riper grapes; these wines can be made in both dry and sweet styles, often showcasing intense fruit flavors and complexity.

• Beerenauslese (BA) and Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA):

  • BA wines can be made from grapes that are selectively picked and may not require noble rot; they are sweet with low alcohol, perfect for dessert wines characterized by honey and dried fruit flavors.

  • TBA necessitates noble rot for achieving high must weight; these are typically intensely sweet, rich wines, often celebrated for their depth and aging potential.

• Eiswein: Produced from grapes that freeze on the vine; this method focuses on preserving the varietal purity while emphasizing sweetness and freshness.

• Other White Varieties:

• Müller-Thurgau: Known for its early ripening, it typically has lower acidity and is rarely associated with high-quality wines; however, it serves important roles in blending.

• Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris) & Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc): These varieties are increasingly popular for their dry styles, often offering a range of stone fruit and nutty flavors, appealing to modern wine drinkers.

• Silvaner: Known for its earthy qualities and lower acidity, primarily sourced from Rheinhessen; it offers unique flavor profiles that contrast with more popular alternatives.

• Black Grape Varieties:

• Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir): Thrives in the warmer regions of Germany, producing wines that range from light-bodied to richly concentrated, showcasing the terroir's elegance.

• Dornfelder: A robust variety with deeply colored wines; it is widely planted and often showcases light-bodied characteristics, ideal for early consumption.

• Additional black varietals include Portugieser and Trollinger, both of which contribute uniquely to Germany's expanding red wine landscape.

German Wine Laws and Labels

• PDO vs. PGI:

• The majority of German wines are classified as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), designated as Qualitätswein; some wines are PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), labeled as Landwein.

• Laws Regulation:

• The Prädikatswein classification falls under Qualitätswein; it ensures wines are made from grapes with higher sugar levels at harvest, reflecting in the overall quality. The six Prädikat categories are prominently indicated on wine labels to inform consumers about sweetness levels and production method.

• Sweetness Indicators:

• Trocken: Denotes dry wines; typically offers little to no residual sugar.

• Halbtrocken: Translates to off-dry or medium; these wines have a bit of residual sweetness.

• Feinherb: A term not legally defined; often implies higher quality than halbtrocken, suggesting an appealing balance of sweetness and acidity.

• Geographic Classification:

• German wines are categorized into five levels: designated winegrowing area, region, village, single vineyard, and the specific vineyard. New legislative changes have necessitated more precise geographic labeling, such as Piesporter Goldtröpfchen, aiding consumers in making informed choices.

• VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter):

• This association comprises high-quality producers following their wine classification system, distinguished by the use of an eagle icon on bottles, symbolizing membership.

• The VDP classifies single-vineyard wines into categories like VDP.Erste Lage (First Growth) and VDP.Grosse Lage (Great Growth), ensuring premium quality standards are met.

Major German Wine Regions

• Mosel:

• Predominantly known for white wines, especially Rieslings that exhibit floral notes and flavors of green fruits. The steep vineyards overlooking the Mosel River contribute to the unique characteristics of the wines produced here.

• Nahe:

• The Nahe region is celebrated for south-facing sloped vineyards, which produce a mixed wine style that encompasses characteristics from Mosel yet offers fuller-bodied wines with distinctive profiles.

• Rheingau:

• This prestigious wine region is primarily known for its exceptional dry Rieslings, as well as high-quality Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese wines, revered for their complexity and age-worthiness.

• Rheinhessen:

• The largest wine-producing region in Germany, offering a diverse range of varieties, including Müller-Thurgau and Spätburgunder, catering to various market tastes.

• Pfalz:

• As the second largest German wine region, Pfalz specializes in Riesling, often producing drier styles that align with current consumer preferences and trends.

• Baden:

• The warmest German wine region, known for the fullest-bodied wines produced here, particularly Spätburgunder, which thrive in this favorable climate.

• Franken:

• Primarily recognized for its white wines, particularly Silvaner, Franken also produces high-quality Spätburgunder, showcasing the region's versatility and commitment to quality in winemaking.

Conclusion

• Summary: Understanding German wines involves acclimatization with the diverse climate, unique grape varieties, wine classification systems, and distinct regional characteristics. German winemaking reflects a tradition of excellence, yielding a rich diversity of wine styles that are predominantly led by the multifaceted expressions of Riesling, each telling a story of its terroir.