German Wines

Wine Areas of Germany

Tonight's Journey

• Pfalz: Formerly known as the Rheinpfalz, this region has 59,000 acres under vines. Rich wines reflect the warm climate of the south of Germany. The region, home of Saumagen, (both the dish and vineyard) extends from Kirchheim-Bolanden south to the Alsatian border. The northern half, the Mittelhardt is the home of the most famous vineyards of the Pfalz. However, the southern part, the Südliche Weinstrasse has experienced a rebirth over the past thirty years. The most southerly vineyard (Schweigener Sonnenberg) is actually in France! The second largest Riesling area after Mosel-Saar-Ruwer.

• Mosel-Saar-Ruwer:  32,000 acres where the Riesling is king adorn the Mosel and its tributaries between Luxembourg and Koblenz. There are four distinct regions: the Lower Mosel, Middle (Mittel) Mosel, Saar and Ruwer. The variation in microclimates makes it almost certain that superb wine will be produced somewhere within the region in any given year. For example, the Saar and Ruwer are higher and hence a little cooler but excell it the 'hot' vintages. The combination of slate and steep vineyards produce vibrant and elegant wines with a fine acidity.

Every thing you wanted to know about German Wine but were afraid to ask!

• Grape varieties• Overall nearly 135 grape varieties may be cultivated in

Germany - 100 are released for white wine production and 35 for red wine production. According to the international image, Germany is still regarded to be a region for white wine production. Since the 1980s the demand for German red wine has constantly increased and this has resulted in a doubling of the vineyards assigned for the production of red wine. Nowadays nearly 35% of the vineyards are cultivated with red grapes. Some of the red grapes are also used to produce Rosé.

Type’s of Wine• Riesling:The most important of the grape varieties grown in Germany. Produces wines ranging from bone

dry to unctuous and formidably concentrated. Many would call this the world’s premier white wine grape, and the German expression of it the world's standard.

• Silvaner:Dry neutral wines are produced from this low yielding grapes. One of the varieties that benefits most from a drier style of wine making.

• Müller-Thurgau:A wine whose heritage has long been thought to be Riesling and Silvaner but now is believed to be a cross between two Riesling clones. As Hugh Johnson put it: 'Should be banned from all the top vineyards'.

• Ruländer:Known as the Pinot Gris or Tokay d'Alsace in France. Robust and flavorful, produces heavyweight wines from the south of Germany.

• Scheurebe:Probably the most successful Riesling and Silvaner cross. A  "love it or leave it" varietal.• Weissburgunder:The Pinot Blanc of France. Seems to be making some strides although it still tends to

produce a rather dull wine.• Gewürztraminer:Spicy, aromatic and distinctive. You either love or hate this grape. The non-lovers should

be encouraged to try a Gewürz from the Pfalz or Baden as they are not quite so 'distinctive' as the classic wines of Alsace.

• Kerner:A modern precocious (early ripening) variety often used to improve the chances of producing wines with a higher must weight. A cross between Trollinger and Riesling

• Spätburgunder:The Pinot Noir of France. Produces light pale wines as vinification in oak is sufficient to lose the Qualitätswein ranking. Has received more attention from importers, growers and the public over the last few years.

• Dornfelder:The 'new' red wine of Germany. Has an extraordinary depth of colour yet a fresh and fruity, almost Beaujolais-like, taste. Fashionable and hence difficult to find.

• Trollinger:A speciality of Württemberg. Late ripening an hence can be problematic in cool years• .Lemberger:Another red variety found predominantly in Württemberg. Probably not missed much

elsewhere.• Portugieser:Nothing to do with Portugal as it probably originates from the Danube valley in Austria. Light

wine that is easy drinking.

ClassificationGerman wine classification is sometimes the source of confusion, especially to non-German

speakers. However, to those familiar with the terms used, a German wine label reveals much information about the quality level and dryness/sweetness of the wine.

• Deutscher Tafelwein (German table wine) is mostly consumed in the country and not exported.• Deutscher Landwein (German country wine) comes from a larger designation and again doesn't play an important

role in the export market.• Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete (QbA) wines are simple wines that meet the first level of quality.• Prädikatswein, recently (August 1, 2007) renamed from Qualitätswein mit Prädikat (QmP) wines are of greater

quality. The grapes for these wines must meet a certain level of ripeness. As ripeness increases, the fruit characteristics and price increase.

– Kabinett wines are made from grapes picked several days after the QbA grapes are picked. These are the first picked grapes of the Prädikat level.

– Spätlese wines ("late harvest") are made from grapes harvested 12-14 days after the Kabinett grapes are picked.

– Auslese wines ("select harvest") are made from grapes that have been hand-selected out from the other grapes. These grapes are late-harvest and have a high sugar content.

– Beerenauslese wines ("berry selection") are made from grapes that have been left on the vine longer than the Auslese grapes. These grapes develop the fungus Botrytis, which removes the moisture from the grape. Thus these wines are very sweet and make good dessert wines.

– Eiswein (ice wine) wine is made grapes that freeze naturally on the vine and reach a sweetness of Beerenauslese level. The grapes are harvested and pressed in the frozen state. The ice keeps part of the water isolated to achieve the high sugar content of these wines.

– Trockenbeerenauslese wines ("dry berries selection") are extremely sweet, concentrated and usually quite expensive wines. The grapes used for Trockenbeerenauslese have reached an even more raisin-like state than those used for Beerenauslese.

The Wine LabelExplanation:

• Producer: Weingut Hermann Dönnhoff, at Oberhausen, using the "Gutsabfüllung" category;

• Grape variety: Riesling; • Quality/Ripeness level: QmP,

Auslese; • Dryness: no indication, thus

(medium-) sweet; • Alcohol: 9% vol; • Vintage: 1994; • Origin: Nahe region;

– single vineyard site: Oberhäuser Brücke.

• AP-number: 775301002195; – approved in 1995; – running number 21

It’s Wine Time

Mosel • Petals Riesling • Mueller Piesporter Michelsburg Auslese • Mueller Bereich Bernkastler QbA • Dr. Heidemanns Bergweiler Riesling QbA

Pfalz• Saint M Riesling 2006

• Merchant ReviewsMosel-Saar-Ruwar, Germany- Aromas of peach give way to a well structured palate of full of fruit. Crisp and fresh with a pleasing finish.This wine pairs well with chicken dishes and Asian cuisine. {Crisp, Peach, Fresh Fruit}

• Member Reviews: Average rating: 4.00 (1 ratings) Excellent with DinnerBy katiepeltier, January 02, 2008This is probably the best Riesling for the dollar. The wine was clean, smooth and very light. It would be a great bottle to serve in the summer and went perfectly with the chicken I served for dinner.

Winery: PetalsStyle: White Wine Varietal: RieslingRegion: Other GermanySize: magnum

PETALS

Mueller Piesporter Michelsburg Auslese

Winery: MuellerStyle: White Wine Varietal: RieslingRegion: Other GermanySize: 750 ml

• Merchant ReviewsPiesport, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany- Produced from very ripe grapes grown in the prestigious Mosel region, this wine possesses a wonderful bouquet of fruits and well-defined, vibrant flavors. It has a finish which goes on and on. Enjoy with fish, fruits, or cheese. {Elegant, Peach, Pear, Medium-bodied}

Mueller Piesporter Michelsburg Auslese

Mueller Piesporter Michelsburg Auslese continued

• Member Reviews: Average rating: 4.25 (4 ratings) • A EXTREMELY PLEASANT WINE

By RFIGLIOZZI, January 17, 2003IF YOU WANT TO INTRODUCE A FRIEND TO THE WORLD OF WINE, THIS AUSLESE IS A GREAT CHOICE. IT IS SIMPLY DELICIOUS BY ITSELF OR AS AN AFTER DINNER COMPANION TO DESERT. IT'S ON THE SWEET SIDE, BUT NOT CLOYING,AND IT IS NICELY BALANCED. A GOOD EXAMPLE OF GERMAN VINICULTURE TRY IT.

• Is this really wine?By Caldwell11966579, March 23, 2006Tasty by all means, but $13 is a little too much for grape juice.

• Easy to drink!By Pellegrino11400280, April 27, 2006I really love this wine. It's great alone or with a light meal. Does anyone know of any domestic wine similar to this riesling? I can't always find this one on a restaurant wine list.

• Totally Satisfying White!By OAKNWINE, June 05, 2005Excellent German white with an exquisite balance of sharp acidity and just the right level of sweetness to offer a most refreshing drinking experience. The whole family enjoyed it. Could have finished the whole bottle in one sitting if I hadn't restrained myself. Would recommend unconditionally.

Mueller Bereich Bernkastler QbA

Mueller Bereich Bernkastler QbA

Winery: MuellerStyle: White Wine Varietal: RieslingRegion: Other GermanySize: 750 ml

Member Reviews:Average rating: 4.00(1 ratings) • Bright, Light, and Crisp

By Wine11425254, May 11, 2007A wonderful, light crisp wine. Full of fruit flavors with wonderful acidity that keeps it crisp and refreshing. Wonderful Summer wine.

• Merchant ReviewsBernkastel, Germany- A white with a straw, ginger and lemon nose. The subtle flavors are not overpowered by, but enhanced by the sweetness. The wine is gentle on the palate, but focused and long. The finish remains clean and fruity as it lingers through to the end. Try with light fare. {Fresh, Ginger, Lemon. Light to Medium-bodied}

Saint M Riesling 2006

Saint M Riesling 2006

• winemaker's notes:

Chateau Ste. Michelle is proud to offer Saint M, a German Riesling made by acclaimed winemaker Ernst Loosen, owner of the Dr. Loosen estate, which has a 200-year tradition of producing Riesling in Germany's Mosel region. With his modern world view and his traditional approach to winemaking, Ernst strives to produce wines that unmistakably express the character of Riesling and of the vineyards where they are grown. Saint M represents a great value in classic Riesling from the Pfalz region.

• "The 2006 Saint M Riesling is clean and crisp, with medium body and a well-defined, delicate acid structure. It leans toward the classic white peach and green apple flavors. I am extremely happy with how pure and clean it is. It's a very fun wine to drink!"—Ernst Loosen, owner, Dr. Loosen Estate

• customer reviews:

number of reviews: 1

A Customer - FloridaThe first time I tried this Dr. Loosen I was in Sedona, AZ and loved this wine...in fact so much that 3 weeks after our vacation was over I called the restaurant in AZ and spoke to the manager of the restaurant to ask the name of the bottle of wine so I could find it to order it was that good!