German wines are creeping their way back into our hearts as we eschew heavy, tannic, alcoholic wines for more softly spoken, elegant and supremely drinkable options. If you think you wouldn’t recognise German wines, think again as many of the world's best-loved wine grapes thrive here - they are just often under different names and we can get scared off by the language and slightly confusing sugar levels. It’s worth noting however that German is home to home to nearly 135 different grape varieties, from the well-known and loved Riesling and Pinot Noir, to lesser known grapes like Albalonga and Zweigeltrebe. 66.9% of production is dedicated to producing knock-out white wine, with 11.5% dedciated to Pinot Noir, which is known here as Spätburgunder. Here are some quintessentially German, cool, calm and collected wines that are perfect for all year round - including your festive feasts!
Pinot Gris, ‘Urmeer’, Weinhaus, Germany, 2021
This Pinot Gris (that’s the grape) is a rich, ripe and round wine with notes of oatmeal and orchard fruit but balanced by elegant minerality and bright raciness. Try this as a foil for foods with a bit of spice. Hailing from Rheinhessen, this is a fresher and fruitier version of Pinot Grigio.
Find it for £8.99 at Waitrose
Definition Mosel Riesling, Loosen, Germany, 2020
Riesling is the supermodel grape of Germany and Mosel is arguably it’s most famous home within Germany. This is a classic style from here: zesty, like freshly squeezed lime with a hint of rubber minerality. on the nose. On the palate there’s a bit of sweetness, but it’s brilliantly balanced with razor-like acidity. Not cloying at all. Made by the famous Ernst and Thomas Loosen and will be awesome with hard cheeses and anything with a hint of spice.
Find it for £9.99 mix 6 price at Majestic
The Society’s Saar Riesling, Germany 2019
A riper, richer version of a classic Riesling with an intense, lime and slate nose and rather tropical palate. A fuller body than the previous wine and hailing from a specific part of the Mosel. This Riesling would be great with salty hard cheese and spiced Asian dishes or Mexican tacos.
Find it for £11.50 at The Wine Society
Wine map of Germany
Also try…
Joaquim Flick, Nonnberg, Riesling trocken, Germany
This is a great example of a dry Riesling, with its quintessentially racy acidity and notes of green apple, lemon citrus and rubber. Juicy and powerful on the palate, it’s a great one for goats cheese or even poultry.
Find it for £11.46 at Vinello
Pinot Noir, Josten & Klein Vom Schiefer, Germany
Did you know that Germany is the world’s third largest producer of Pinot Noir?This country really does to fantastic, elegant, smooth and light-bodied Pinot Noir. Think silky cherry and milk chocolate but light on its feet, ballerina-style. This one has a real depth and cpm[lexity too. perfect for Christmas lunch with all the trimmings. bear in mind that the German name for Pinot Noir is Spätburgunder.
Find it for £23.50 at the good wine shop