Beyond Riesling: Exploring the Diverse World of German Wines
Carol Wolniakowski
Germany may be famous for its beer, but it also is home to a vibrant wine industry. The cool climate, unique soils and steep hillsides create an ideal environment for many different grapes.
While Riesling rightfully takes center stage, Germany produces a variety of both red and white wines that offer a wide range of flavors and styles. I think you will be surprised to learn just how many German wines are of excellent quality and value.
In this short article, we'll take a tour through the different types of German red and white wines, uncovering what makes each unique.
White Wines
Riesling
Characteristics: Riesling is Germany’s flagship grape, renowned for its aromatic complexity, high acidity, and ability to age gracefully. It is the ultimate food wine. Many assume that Riesling is sweet when, in fact, it can range from bone dry to lusciously sweet.
Regions: Predominantly grown in the Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz regions.
Flavors: Typical flavors include green apple, lime, peach, apricot, and a distinctive minerality, often with notes of honey and petrol in aged examples.
Müller-Thurgau
Characteristics: A cross between Riesling and Madeleine Royale, Müller-Thurgau is known for its early ripening and easy drinkability.
Regions: Widely planted across Germany, especially in the Rheinhessen and Baden regions.
Flavors: Light and floral with flavors of citrus, peach, rose petal and sometimes a touch of spice.
Silvaner
Characteristics: Silvaner is valued for its versatility and ability to reflect the terroir where it is grown. It is light and refreshing with a good amount of acidity.
Regions: Franconia (Franken) is the most notable region for Silvaner.
Flavors: Peach, green apple, pear, and herbal notes.
Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris)
Characteristics: Known as Pinot Gris in France and Grauburgunder in Germany, this grape produces a rich, full-bodied wines with refreshing acidity and bold aromas.
Regions: Primarily found in Baden, Pfalz, and Rheinhessen.
Flavors: Peach, melon, tropical fruits, honey and a hint of minerality.
Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc)
Characteristics: Pinot Blanc, or Weißburgunder, produces elegant and refined wines with good acidity and a subtle fruit profile.
Regions: Commonly grown in Baden and Pfalz.
Flavors: Pear, peach, almond and citrus, often with a hint of minerality.
Red Wines
Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir)
Characteristics: Spätburgunder is the German name for Pinot Noir, and it thrives in the cooler climates of Germany, producing wines of great finesse.
Regions: Notably grown in the Ahr, Baden, Franken and Pfalz regions.
Flavors: Cranberry, cherry, raspberry, and plum, with earthy and spicy undertones.
Dornfelder
Characteristics: Dornfelder is a relatively recent hybrid that has gained popularity for its deep color and robust structure.
Regions: Particularly prevalent in the Pfalz and Rheinhessen regions.
Flavors: Dark berries, cherry, and plum, often with floral and spicy notes.
Trollinger
Characteristics: Also known as Schiava in Italy, Trollinger produces light, fruity red wines with a refreshing acidity.
Regions: Predominantly found in Württemberg.
Flavors: Strawberry, raspberry, and almond with soft smokey notes.
Lemberger (Blaufränkisch)
Characteristics: Lemberger, known as Blaufränkisch in Austria, produces medium to full-bodied wines with good acidity and tannin structure.
Regions: Most commonly grown in Württemberg.
Flavors: Blackberry, cherry, red currant, plum, and black pepper, with earthy and spicy elements.
Portugieser
Characteristics: Portugieser is an early-ripening grape that produces light, easy-drinking wines.
Regions: Found in the Pfalz and Rheinhessen regions.
Flavors: Red and black berries, cherry, and sometimes floral notes.
Germany’s wine regions offer a remarkable variety of both red and white wines, each with its unique character and charm. From the crisp, aromatic Rieslings of the Mosel to the elegant Spätburgunders of Baden, there's a German wine to suit every palate. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious beginner, exploring German wines is a journey worth embarking on. Cheers to discovering the delightful diversity of German viticulture!
Explore the vineyards of Germany with us on our Rhine & Moselle River Cruise in September, 2025!