Germany is the world's great Riesling country, and no white grape captures a vineyard site with the same clarity. Its wines can be bone-dry and racy or gloriously sweet, always lifted by bright acidity, and they age like little else in white. There is a serious red side too, led by a Spätburgunder that now rivals good Burgundy.
Riesling, dry trocken and the sweet Prädikat ladder
Most German Riesling sold today is dry, labelled trocken, taut and mineral and built for the table. Alongside it sits the Prädikat ladder, which grades the ripeness of the grapes at harvest rather than the sweetness in the glass. It runs upward through featherweight Kabinett, then Spätlese and Auslese, and on to the rare, honeyed Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese, shrivelled by noble rot and among the greatest sweet wines made. Our Riesling range covers the full span.
The great regions, plus Spätburgunder and Sekt
Each region has its own accent. The Mosel grows the most delicate Riesling of all on steep blue slate, low in alcohol and electric with acidity. The Rheingau is firmer and more structured, while Rheinhessen, the largest region, has swapped bulk wine for some of Germany's most exciting dry whites. Warmer Pfalz gives riper, rounder Riesling, and the Nahe sits in between, delicate yet structured, with Dönnhoff a benchmark grower. Reds are climbing fast: German Pinot Noir, known here as Spätburgunder, is now silky and serious, and traditional-method Sekt is worth seeking out.
German wine FAQ
What food pairs with German Riesling?
It is a natural with spice. Off-dry Kabinett and Spätlese cool the heat of Thai curry, Sichuan pork and Indian food, while dry trocken Riesling loves sushi, seafood and roast pork. Spätburgunder handles duck, mushrooms and charcuterie.
Does German Riesling age well?
Superbly. A good bottle can hold for a decade or two, softening its acidity and taking on honey, dried apricot and the trademark hint of petrol. The sweeter Prädikat wines last longest of all.
How do I find a dry German wine?
Look for the word trocken on the label. Most modern German Riesling is made in this dry style, so there is no need to worry about unexpected sweetness.