German Fine Wine
Despite an illustrious wine history dating back 2000 years, recent success for German wine has not come easily. The 1970s and 80s saw a lacklustre quantity-first strategy tarnish the country's brand, but things are again looking bright as producers look to modernise the industry. The versatile noble white grape Riesling is king in Germany and made in a variety of styles. Pinot Gris, Gewurtztraminer and an increasing volume of Pinot Noir, known in Germany as Spatburgunder are also significant.
The majority of German winemaking takes place in the south-west corner of the country, close to the borders of France and Luxembourg. There are thirteen wine regions, and Mosel and Pfalz are two of the most recognisable outside of Germany. The German VdP system controls the quality of wines and while complicated can be useful. The top tier of these, Pradikatswein, has several levels, marked by the sweetness of the wine. From lightest and driest to most sweet, they are Kabinett, Spatlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese.
