5th September 2022 | Cork Talk | 5 minute read
Germany is a haven for white wine lovers. Famed for its lifted, fruit-focused wines, Germany’s cool climate is ideal for producing crisp and refreshing styles, which is why 65% of its total wine output is white. Riesling, of course, steals the show in this part of the world, and, while that’s undoubtedly a thing of beauty, we think there are other German white grape varieties which deserve a share of the spotlight.
With over 2,000 years of viticultural history behind it, Germany has become a driving force in winemaking. And now a new generation of young, forward-thinking winemakers is paving the way for Germany, producing wines in a variety of styles from an abundance of different grape varieties. So if you haven’t explored Germany much in the past, now is certainly the time to do so!
We can’t ignore the fact that Riesling is hugely popular here. After all, over half of the world’s planted area of Riesling can be found in this country, making it the undisputed hero.
Germany’s ability to create Riesling of unparalleled quality is what makes it quite so extraordinary. With a range of styles being produced from bone dry all the way through to lusciously sweet, German Riesling has gained a reputation of being wonderfully elegant and versatile.
If you are a Riesling fan and just cant get enough then make sure to give the Thomas Losen Edition Riesling On Slate 2020 a try. From the slate vineyards of Germany’s world-renowned Mosel region, this dry and crisp Riesling is bursting with acidity, yet balanced by a delicate sweetness. From an award-winning, family owned estate, this Riesling is exploding with quality.
It’s time to shift the spotlight now on to some of these lesser-known varieties. Pinot Blanc is a grape that can really do it all! Light or full-bodied, still or sparkling, dry or sweet, this grape has heaps to offer. And despite only accounting for 5.4% of Germany’s vineyard area, there are some incredible Pinot Blanc wines being produced here that you need to get your hands on!
Often referred to as Weissburgunder in Germany, this grape thrives in the slightly warmer southern regions such as Baden, Rheinhessen and Pfalz, where it loves the deep soil sites with excellent sun exposure. Often found to have subtle aromas of orchard and stone fruits with hints of spice, these wines are wonderfully fresh and delicate.
The Heinrichshof Weissburgunder 2019 is a fine example of German Pinot Blanc, produced in the Mosel region of Germany. This small scale production has notes of rich lemon and white pear on the nose with a mineral texture on the palate, creating a wonderfully refreshing, beautifully balanced wine. The grapes are grown on steep, south-facing sites meaning they enjoy prolonged hours of sunshine. Try this one with some fresh seafood and you wont be disappointed.
Silvaner is a real hidden gem amongst German wines, and is a great alternative to Riesling. This light-skinned grape has been grown in Germany for hundreds of years, and is now most commonly found in Franken and Rheinhessen where it thrives in the cool climate that this country is renowned for. Occupying around 12,500 acres, there is plenty to choose from, despite this only accounting for around 5% of Germany’s vineyard area.
Silvaner has the capacity to reflect the terroir in which it’s grown, often taking on the characteristics of the soil and climate. However, on the whole, Silvaner has peachy and passionfruit flavours, commonly accompanied by herbaceous notes and an oily texture with a crisp acidity.
Thanks to their sturdy stems, these versatile little grapes also have the ability to stay on the vine long enough for the frosty temperatures to arrive which are required to produce Eiswein. One of our favourites is the Weingut Schales Silvaner Eiswein 2016, which is a rare treat for a special occasion.
Intensely sweet with rich fruit flavours, this award-winning dessert wine is an exquisite example of just how incredible Eiswein can be and how adaptable Silvaner is. Complementing an array of desserts and mature cheeses effortlessly, this sweet wine is a unique treat!
Despite being a grape with a distinct red tint, this variety is used to produce white wines – and damn good ones at that!
Gewürztraminer was originally grown across central and eastern Europe, however since the 19th century it has made its way to Germany where it now thrives in areas such as Pfalz, Rheinhessen and Baden. This old, traditional variety is known for being quite fussy and needs to be handled with care, however when this is done, there is no stopping this little beauty.
It produces high quality wines with a distinctive, pronounced bouquet and flavour, reminiscent of lychees or roses. Often full-bodied and ranging from dry to sweet, Gewürztraminer is another very versatile German grape that deserves to be appreciated.
The Villa Wolf Gewürztraminer 2020 is a great example of just what Germany has to offer when it comes to this pretty pink grape. It’s a balanced expression that has everything you could wish for and more. Subtle nuances of stone fruit and lychee are tangled with a zingy acidity, creating a fantastically approachable Gewürztraminer. The reviews of this German wine speak for themselves. Check it out below.
And there we have it. There’s heaps of variety when it comes to German white wines. Make sure you check out our full range by heading to the link below – you might discover your new favourite!
