If you have tasted any German wine, more than likely it came from one of 13 different wine growing regions, each producing unique styles of wine. Although these regions generally use the same grape varietals, each region is known for their individual tastes and methods. Some German wine may even be hard to find outside its home country, since some are made for immediate consumption.
In the Mosel-Sarr-Ruwer and Ahr regions, you will find elegant and extremely light whites and reds made of Riesling and Rose wine grapes. The fullest German wine comes out of Pfalz, Hessische, Bergstrasse, Sachsen, Baden, and Württenbery regions. The Mittelrhein, Nahe, Rheingau, Rheinhessen, and Saale-Unstrut regions fall right in the middle.
German Wine Varietals
Compared to some other wine producers, Germany grows much more white wine grapes than red. The Riesling grape is by far the finest and best known in the country. This grape ripens late with an acidity level that allows great aging potential. The most planted grape in Germany is actually the Müller-Thurgau, which is made to consume fresh. Other white varieties in Germany include Silvaner, Kerner, Scheurebe, and Ruländer.
While you may hear about a lot of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot growing in other countries, in Germany the most commonly planted red wine variety is the Pinot Noir. This grape is the red Riesling counterpart and produces a full-bodied wine. Portugieser and Trollinger are two other varieties in Germany that are both light and fruity. Red German wines are generally very light with low tannin, making them enjoyable young.
