Wine terraces in the Ahr region
Regions and Grapes
German wine differs from wines of other countries — it's light, lively and fruity, thanks to Germany's unique climatic and geological conditions. There are 13 different regions, read about this month’s profiled region below or follow this link to find out about the other 12.
Data compiled by the Federal Bureau of Statistics in Germany shows that there are nearly 100 grape varieties grown in normal and/or experimental vineyards. Of these, about two dozen are of commercial importance, above all, Riesling and Müller-Thurgau, which account for some 43% of Germany's 105,000 hectares of vineyards. Nearly 7.5% of the vineyard area is planted with Spätburgunder, or Pinot Noir, making it the most important red wine grape in Germany.
Find out about the current featured grape or find out about Germany’s other white and red grape varieties:
White grapes
Red grapes
Mosel
The Mosel River is the sinuous spine of the Mosel region, changing direction so often as it flows northeast toward the Rhine that it meanders nearly 250 km/150 miles, to cover about half that distance as the crow flies. Together with its two small tributaries, the Saar and the Ruwer, the Mosel composes one geographical entity.
While the Mosel region produces wines from a variety of grapes, it is best known for Riesling. Although each river's vineyard area produces a wine with its own distinctive personality, the three share a family resemblance: a fragrance reminiscent of spring blossoms, a pale color, light body and a refreshing, fruity acidity. To add to their charm, they often have the slightest hint of effervescence. Most display their finest charms in youth; the late- and selectively-harvested wines merit aging.
Along the serpentine route of the Mosel, the river banks rise so sharply that the vineyards carpeting these slopes are among the steepest in the world, with some planted at an astounding 70-degree gradient. On these precipitous inclines, nearly all labor must be done by hand. That includes tying each vine to its own eight-foot wooden stake, and carrying up the slate soil that has washed down with the winter rains.
Click here to find out more about the Mosel and Germany’s 12 other winegrowing regions.
See also our previous profiles.
top
Rolling vineyards of the Pfalz, home to some of Germany's Silvaner plantings
Silvaner
Silvaner is a typically German grape variety, and in 2009 is celebrating its 350th anniversary. Once the most important grape in Germany, today it accounts for some 7% of the country's plantings. A reasonably abundant producer, it likes average exposure to the sunshine and needs moist soil. It ripens about two weeks earlier than Riesling.
Depending on its origin, Silvaner can be aromatic and fresh with light dry aroma of herbs, or gooseberries and kiwi if its grapes are grown on light soils. On heavy soil, Silvaner has an opulence and aromas of ripe pears and hay, sometimes even artichoke. Silvaner makes a rather full-bodied, neutral wine with a mild acidity, and is generally best enjoyed while young.
A traditional variety in Franken, Rheinhessen and Saale-Unstrut, there are also extensive plantings in the Pfalz and an enclave in the Kaiserstuhl district of Baden. There are over 5,000 hectares of Silvaner in Germany.
See also our previous profiles.
top
