german pinot noir regions

2012 Weingut Friedrich Becker Estate Pinot Noir ($20) The rich, deep, full-bodied pinot from the Pfalz region is filled with ripe dark fruit. In the case of red wine varieties, Pinot Noir and Dornfeld cultivation are of the greatest importance.Germany now produces nearly 67% white wine and 33% red wine, in regions extending from the Elbe to Lake Constance. Referred to as “red wine paradise”, this area is one of Germany’s most northerly wine regions. German Pinot Noir in Bordeaux Country. Some areas, such as the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer, are almost exclusively dedicated to white grape varieties. This 22 mile (35 km) trail travels through the exact hills and vineyards that make Ahr so memorable. Given its northerly location, you’d expect Sachsen to have a cool climate. It is aged in large German oak barrels (called shtucks ) for 15 months. Like most of Germany, this famous appellation is home to idyllic steep sloping vineyards covering a range of soil types, meaning those ambitious new generation winemakers have a lot to play with. You’re surrounded on all sides by steep, vineyard-wrapped mountains, some reaching over 2,000 feet (600 meters). Early morning humidity generated from the nearby river, followed by warm, dry, sunny afternoons, provide ideal conditions in the vineyards for noble rot to attack the grapes – which, although it may not sound it, is just what you want for premium sweet Riesling. Slate is essential for viticulture in this region as it retains heat from the sun, while the volcanic ash holds water. An Introduction to Sachsen Sachsen is Germany’s most easterly wine region, renowned for producing world-class Gerwurztraminer. The south of the region, for instance, is much warmer with a Mediterranean feel – perfect for red grapes like Pinot Noir that enjoy a little extra warmth. A variety of soil types exist here that work well for viticulture. Finally, Germany is honing its very own Pinot identity. Where most New World Pinot tends toward a light to medium ruby color, Ahr wines are garnet, leaning towards a rusty orange. Either way, the Ahr River Valley is a serious Pinot Noir hotspot. Virgin Wine Online Ltd. Look for the classically styled wines from Schloss Johannisberg, one of the world's oldest Riesling producers with its fine pedigree and reputation. Meunier translates from the French as “miller” (with the leaves having a flour-like dusting on them), and presumably its similarity to pinot noir inspired the reference to pinot noir’s prime home of Burgundy. The ice crystals break away when the grapes are crushed, leaving juice with a super high concentration of sugar for mouth-wateringly rich dessert wine! The soil in this region tends to be slate and rock, with some volcanic stone found in the middle Ahr Valley. I also write plays, jokes, and the occasional diatribe. German wine - wine regions . German Pinot Noir (also known as Spätburgunder) Germany ranks 3rd as the largest producer of Pinot Noir in the world. The traditional style of German Spätburgunder is lighter in colour, body and tannic acidity than its counterparts from warmer climates. The great pinot noirs (aka Spatburgunder) from Germany hail from a region called the Ahr, which is warmer than other wine regions in Germany and able to ripen pinot with plum-like flavors, earth and fruit. Riesling and Pinot Noir (known locally as Spätburgunder) are the two grape varieties that dominate over any others, and oak barrels are often used for ageing Riesling. You’re surrounded on all sides by steep, vineyard-wrapped mountains, some reaching over 2,000 feet (600 meters). Expect aromas of black cherry, woodsy raspberry brambles, and rich, ripe strawberry, along with subtle, spicier hints of clove, anise, and cinnamon. Covering just 462 hectares, it’s one of Germany’s smaller wine growing areas, yet cultivates an impressive array of grape varieties. It’s known for turning out Germany’s most famous varieties, including Pinot Noir and Rivaner, and naturally sweet grapes such as spicy Gewürztraminer, Muscat, and Scheurebe also do well here thanks to the warm temperatures. Dating back to the 1300s, the best vineyards here are planted on steep, fossil-laden, chalky slopes, enabling winemakers to grow the highest quality vines. An ideal complement to many dishes, German Riesling is widely considered to be the most food-friendly white wine in the world. This mountainous area with its rolling hills produces some absolutely beautiful wines, including the Pinots (Blanc, Gris and Noir) and Silvaner, although it can be difficult to get your hands on a bottle outside of Germany. But viable alternatives exist in a few European wine regions. Vineyards range in altitude from flat plains in the east to steep slopes in the west. These vineyards are planted with Riesling grapes, with some Spätburgunder (Pinot noir), and produce some of … The price range you’ll likely see will fall between $25 and $90, especially if you’re ordering online. Baden is the southernmost of Germany's wine regions, a long, slim strip that extends from near Heidelberg in the north to Lake Constance (Bodensee) in the south. Fun Find: The Ahr is home to Frühburgunder. With 66.9% of Germany’s vineyards dedicated to producing knock-out white wine, and 11.5% to Pinot Noir, it’s never been a more exciting time for German wine production. Franken may be one of Germany’s smaller wine regions, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in quality. The benchmark for Pinot Noir, Burgundy reigns supreme. Rich in tradition, Rheingau is one of Germany’s most distinguished wine regions. In Germany, where wine preferences have long been swinging dry and drier still, the market is dominated by trocken, or dry wines made from Riesling, Pinot Noir (known as … The Spanish brought the Mission grape to Mexico and Chile. Either way, the Ahr River Valley is a serious Pinot Noir hotspot. The wine, commonly known as Spätburgunder in Germany, comes mainly from its Pfalz, Nahe, Rheinhessen, and Baden regions. Distinctly old world in style, these wines from slate and limestone, sandstone and Keuper add nuance to the world Pinot-Pantheon. Steep vineyards on Rüdesheimer Berg overlooking river Rhine. A few dynamic winemakers in this historic region have introduced non-traditional grape varieties to their vineyards, which may be worth keeping an eye out for. Vinexpo is one of the most important trade forums for the world's wine markets, including Germany, which will once again demonstrate the international competitiveness of its wine-growers at this year's trade fair. Keep an eye out for these years while you’re on the lookout for Ahr Valley Pinot Noir: Here are a few standout wineries worth investigating further: An impressive family-run operation, the quality of the wines made at Meyer-Näkel has caught the eye (and tastebuds) of more than a few wine experts. Derived from the Latin word for ‘palace’, Pfalz is a scenic wine region with a peaceful landscape. Greatly weathered-granite soils are typical here, aiding healthy vine root growth, essential for plants that have to contend with trickier weather conditions. Soils typically contain shell-limestone, meaning they’re rich in calcium and have incredible water retention for growing thirsty vines. Schwarzriesling is the German name for pinot meunier, while it is also sometimes referred to as miller’s burgundy, especially in Australia. The river at the heart of the Nahe region creates a moderate climate for grape cultivation. The first thing you’ll notice about an Ahr Spätburgunder is the color. In addition to Germany, which organised the tasting, the benchmarking event featured top examples from 10 of the world’s major Pinot Noir producing regions: Australia, South … Of course, climate change was a decisive factor, but what has really changed is the way Germany’s winemakers now approach their work. Shell limestone, sandstone, loess-loam, copper slate. Top quality German Spätburgunder is now emerging from various regions, particularly Baden, Pfalz and even the tiny Ahr Valley. Loam allows pockets of air and water to sit between its particles, which vine roots feed on and thrive. The prime grape German winemakers are focusing on is pinot noir. Known as ‘Germany’s Spring Garden’, the Hessische Bergstrasse region is beautiful and full of life. A rural region neighbouring the famous Baden appellation, Württemberg stands out from the crowd for being one of the few German regions where red wines dominate. The warmth created by the soil and landscape create a perfect hotspot for black grapes, and fruitful red varieties such as Portugieser really thrive here. These vineyards are located in the southwestern part of the region Rheingau at a bend in the river. This charming region is one of Germany’s cooler wine growing areas. Grapes are left on the vine until the weather drops, then harvested while frozen. If you didn’t know (honestly, most of us don’t), Germany is the 3rd largest producer of Pinot Noir in the world. Soils also vary hugely here, from exceptionally fertile volcanic igneous rock, to heat-retaining slate and nutrient-rich clay. Sandstone, limestone, marl, loess-loam, granite, slate. The great pinot noirs (aka Spatburgunder) from Germany hail from a region called the Ahr, which is warmer than other wine regions in Germany and able to ripen pinot with plum-like flavors, earth and fruit. They are also a stock-in-trade in and around the Kaiserstuhl, a defunct volcano on Baden. Pinot Noir Growing Regions California has many established wine-growing regions for Pinot Noir, such as Russian River Valley, Carneros and Santa Barbara. The Baden wine region is well known for its remarkable wines. Sloping sites and warm soils enable vines to penetrate the soil for up to 27 feet, which is why Riesling from this region can have such a strong mineral nuance. Riesling, Rivaner, Pinot Blanc, Goldriesling. Many contemporary winemakers, however, are producing wines that are more international in style, i.e. To step into the Ahr and find out it’s one of Germany’s smallest regions is a shock. The first vines in Mosel were planted by the Romans, with Germany’s most famous variety, Riesling, first being planted in the Middle Ages. Germany is, historically, a prodigious producer of Pinot Noir. The riverside valleys have a range of microclimates, allowing winemakers in this appellation to plant a diverse variety of grape types. NR3 1TN. Its relatively sunny, dry climate permits the production of good-quality Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and ripe, relatively full-bodied examples of Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris) and Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc). Make way for the young, dynamic winemakers of Germany! In German-speaking regions of Switzerland it is often called Blauburgunder. The benchmark for Pinot Noir, Burgundy reigns supreme. Known for its steep slopes overlooking Mosel River, this is Germany’s third largest wine producing appellation. Check with your local wine shops, though: you never know who might have a connection. Sachsen is Germany’s most easterly wine region, renowned for producing world-class Gerwurztraminer. The steep vineyard-covered slopes of Mittelrhein have clayish slate soils that are perfect for white grape varieties (85% of all vines are white grapes to be exact!). One of many vineyard-lined bends on the meandering Mosel River. There is also a brilliant-value Pinot Blanc from Vom Löss that we've introduced. This is also where you’ll find the steep mountain slopes where the slate retains a terrific amount of heat from the sun. The vineyards of Ahr run along the valley of the Ahr River. Ties to France. This appellation is one of the most northerly in the whole of Europe, meaning it experiences cooler temperatures than other parts of Germany. Keep an eye out for their “Surprise” Blanc de Noirs (a white Pinot), which adds a little pink to the mix, giving it a brilliant, copper color. Heat and sunshine reflects off the surface of the river Rhine and onto the surrounding vineyards, while the forest-capped Taunus Hills shelter the vines below from harsh winds. Alluvial, sandstone, rock, shell-limestone. Company No: 03800762, Tel: 0343 224 1001 Germans call the grape Spätburgunder, which means late-ripening (spät) Pinot (Burgunder). The slate soils not only add minerality to the grapes, they also retain heat from the sun at night. Look for the classically styled wines from Schloss Johannisberg, one of the world's oldest Riesling producers with its fine pedigree and reputation. Founded in 1868, Mayschoss-Altenahr is Germany’s oldest wine cooperative. Vines here rarely have to contend with extreme temperatures, as the climate is fairly mild. The high acidity combines with oak tannins to add layers of complexity over time. Crisp Riesling is the star of the show, usually grown in a way that encourages noble rot to attack the grapes – a method used for making premium quality sweet wines (see How Is Sweet Wine Made for more info). What struck me the most here was how pure and silky the tannins are, it is a soft, gentle, enticing Pinot that is so ready to drink and moreish – the perfect Pinot Noir for consuming straight away. Alluvial soils in the east are rich in potassium and extremely fertile, while the chalky slopes drain excess water from heavy rainfalls very quickly – all fantastic for producing those high quality wines we’ve come to expect from this region. The difference between wine and great wine comes down to the terroir, and the Ahr Valley does wonders with Pinot Noir. It’s visually gobsmacking. German Pinot Noir in Bordeaux Country Vinexpo is one of the most important trade forums for the world's wine markets, including Germany, which will once again demonstrate the international competitiveness of its wine-growers at this year's trade fair. Grapes come in from all over the region producing a wide variety of regional wines (60% of them Spätburgunder). The expertise across all Germany's picturesque winemaking regions is second to none at every level. Especially in cold climate regions like Germany, Pinot Noir has the ability to be delightfully lighter and lower in tannin than other red wines. But there’s evidence that climate change is pulling new regions into the Pinot Noir sweet spot. German Pinot Noir (also known as Spätburgunder) Germany ranks 3rd as the largest producer of Pinot Noir in the world. Known for its crisp, dry fine white wines, the area is named after the Saale and Unstrut rivers that run through the heart of its vineyards. Key grape varieties here are the usual suspects – Pinot Noir and Riesling, with a bit of Silvaner and Gutedel too. Here are some common label terms to know on Ahr wines: While most Ahr Valley Spätburgunder is drunk young, the higher quality levels age for 10+ years. Among Germany’s red grapes, Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) is the most widely planted, mainly in the warmer parts of the country. 40 percent of Baden vineyards are planted with red wine grapes – mostly pinot noir – and these account for more than half of all German pinot noir production. Riesling is the top white grape variety in the small but mighty Ahr region. The wine, commonly known as Spätburgunder in Germany, comes mainly from its Pfalz, Nahe, Rheinhessen, and Baden regions. World famous as the homeland of Riesling, Germany is enjoying a new era of quality winemaking, and is so much more than a country that just produces sweet wines. Western Ahr: Known for the region’s most desirable wines, the western Ahr is far rockier, with a soil composed of slate and volcanic stone. German Pinot Noir: the Style of Spätburgunder German Pinot Noir is a grotesque and ghastly wine that tastes akin to a defective, sweet, faded, diluted red Burgundy from an incompetent producer. Ranging from ruby to garnet red, Pinot Noir wines are slightly tannic, mild in acidity, and have a long finish with aromas reminiscent of blackberry and cherry. Looking for more info on German wine regions? Here in the southwestern wine growing region of Baden, I’m sipping a glass of light ruby red Spätburgunder – Germany’s pinot noir. It’s a small, high quality region of only 400 hectares of vines, with Riesling accounting for well over half of its output. Yet Spätburgunder still confuses drinkers, and it’s not surprising: German Pinot Noir thrives across four degrees of latitude, from 48°N in Baden to 51°N in Saxony (to compare, Beaune in Burgundy is at 47.0°N, Reims at 49.2°N ); in all of Germany’s 13 wine regions; and in … Credit: debyaho/Getty Images . Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir are other notable varieties from this region, although Rheinhessen is perhaps best known for having the largest planting in the world of the ancient grape variety, Silvaner. Covering just 462 hectares, it’s one of Germany’s smaller wine growing areas, yet cultivates an impressive array of grape varieties. Key grape varieties here are the usual suspects – Pinot Noir and Riesling, with a bit of Silvaner and Gutedel too. This placed Germany 14th in the world. Pinot Noir rules the vineyards here. Yet the valleys of the Elbe River help to soften temperatures, creating moments of warmth and a continental feel. For every acre of Riesling (the dominant variety in almost every other German region), there are five of Pinot Noir. Rheingau has a fairly moderate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. Igneous, sandstone, clay, limestone, slate. It has a cool, wet climate that allows for long, slow ripening seasons, resulting in characterful, food-friendly vinos with pronounced flavours and high acidity. By far the longest German wine region, Baden runs along the bank of the river Rhine, producing an impressive variety of flavoursome full-bodied wines throughout its nine individual districts. Pinot noir is a popular grape variety all over Switzerland. Every other German region is in chilly Zone A. Baden is, unusually for Germany, best known for its red wines, However its whites account for the majority of its output. A cooler climate with rugged soils requires that the best vineyards tend to be on southern-facing slopes (to catch the sun). This region stretching 100 miles along the river valley gets more sunshine than any other area in the country, meaning winemakers are able to grow grapes to extreme ripeness, resulting in high levels of natural sugar and notes of mango, banana and other tropical fruit flavours. Weather conditions can be harsher and difficult to predict, so winemakers use stone in their vineyards to conduct and hold heat to counteract the cold spells. But viable alternatives exist in a few European wine regions. Guntrum’s Pinot Noir 2016 is a really impressive gateway wine into the world of German Pinot Noir. By the way, Loess is same soil type found in the Columbia Valley in Washington and Oregon. Spätburgunder generally lacks the big, jammy aspects that one often finds in warmer climate Pinot Noir. In the case of red wine varieties, Pinot Noir and Dornfeld cultivation are of the greatest importance. Journey into the old world's biggest names and best kept secrets. Looking for Ahr Spätburgunder? The best are produced in the northerly Ahr region, near the Cold War capital Bonn, where they can be enchantingly delicate and floral. They were selected to illustrate the various styles of German pinot noir today. But, unlike most of Germany, this area is actually more known for its reds. History lovers and wine enthusiasts unite in this key appellation filled with ancient Roman castles and monasteries. The remaining 60 percent of Baden vineyards are allocated to white w… Wines made in this region are also shaped by the Elbe, as its weathered granite soils and geological makeup influence the grapes. Bernhard Huber was seen as the German godfather of Pinot Noir and was one of the most instrumental vignerons to improve the region's reputation for the varietal. Riesling and Pinot Noir being the most recognised names. Nestled in the mountainous southwest of Germany, Baden is known for its picturesque evergreen scenery and its incredible, food-friendly wines. This warmth allows black grapes to thrive, producing flavoursome red wines with an acidic character. With 2,000 years of viticulture under its belt, Germany has become a leader in winemaking technology and meticulous vineyard work. Silky, fruit-forward and food-friendly, this comes as no surprise. In terms of red, it’s Pinot Noir that remains the star, known across Germany for being wonderfully earthy and fruity. Check out our guide to Mosel! For many of us, the end of 2020 couldn’t come soon enough. Dry, slightly tannic, and mild in acidity, full-bodied with flavors and aromas of red berries, subtle earthy notes, and a long finish. What happened in the past decade is a game-changer. Rheinhessen sits on the west bank of the Rhine, and is often referred to as the “land of a thousand hills”. Some areas, such as the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer, are almost exclusively dedicated to white grape varieties. The dominant red is Domina, a spicy variety which is almost completely unique to this part of Germany and, along with Silvaner, has become synonymous with Franken. New Year’s Eve will look very different this year, so pick an unexpected sparkling wine to match: German … Hillside ruins, half-timbered towns and medieval castles are dotted along the banks of the Rhine, providing an enchanting backdrop for the sloping vineyards on the water’s edge. Baden wine region - kissed by the sun. More international and German buyers are picking up wineries, historic houses and vintners’ homes at a fraction of what they would cost in Europe’s better-known wine regions. Mittelrhein is the quintessential German fairy tale region. A truly picturesque region of flourishing vineyards and quaint villages, sunny Pfalz is a wine lover’s dream. Outstanding Riesling grows on the quaint forested valley hills that are reminiscent of Switzerland. Called Pinot Noir in France, this grape produces elegant, velvety wines with a distinctive bouquet reminiscent of bitter almonds or blackberries. Neighbour to Switzerland and Alsace in France, Baden is Germany’s southernmost region, and its warmest. Ahr benefits from mild temperatures, despite its northern location, and a Mediterranean style climate that’s great for red grape varieties. By far the longest German wine region, Baden runs along the bank of the river Rhine, producing an impressive variety of flavoursome full-bodied wines throughout its nine individual districts. By now it is abundantly clear what a natural home for Pinot Noir Germany’s various regions are. This is the German name for Pinot Madeleine, a more elegant cousin of Pinot Noir that ripens early but with crazy low yields! Tamlyn Currin said of it, “It would not be exaggerating to say that Meyer-Näkel makes some of the most outstanding Spätburgunder in Germany.” Fortunately, this is one of the easier Ahr wines to find in the US. This breath-taking region benefits from ample sunshine and moderate temperatures, largely helped by the vast, heat-reflecting surface of the river Rhine. The style and complexity of Silvaner from this region is undeniably hard to beat. 40 percent of Baden vineyards are planted with red wine grapes – mostly pinot noir – and these account for more than half of all German pinot noir production. With just under 20 acres (eight hectares) of land, the Erwin Riske winery is small but strong, with an impressive variety of wines (white, red, and rosé) that are gaining a reputation for quality and craftsmanship. Below the facility is a sprawling cellar equipped not only with wine barrels and tasting rooms, but with several popular dance halls and dining areas. Protected by the Odenwald Hills and the Black Forest on one side and the Vosges mountains on the other, it enjoys a warm and sunny climate which is almost Mediterranean. Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) Germany’s most heralded red grape is one of the most popular worldwide: Pinot Noir, or Spätburgunder, as it’s known locally. From limestone and loam, to red slate and clay on the riverbanks, Rheinhessen has a variation in soils that allows many different styles of grape to be grown. Riesling, Silvaner, Gutedel, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Shell-limestone, loess-loam, granite, clay, sand. Saale-Unstrut is a small and humble, traditional wine region that’s gaining some serious traction across Europe. Mosel is home to Calmont, the steepest vineyard on record in the world, with a 65 degrees incline! Email: help@virginwines.co.uk. To step into the Ahr and find out it’s one of Germany’s smallest regions is a shock. Pinot noir wines are produced in Neuchâtel, Schaffhausen, Zürich, St. Gallen and Bündner Herrschaft. Pinot Noir (known locally as Spätburgunder) is the king of reds, along with its early-ripening cousin, Frühburgunder. United States Wines here tend to be dry and full bodied, with delicate fruit flavours and earthy undertones. Most wines produced here are dry, including varieties such as Pinot Gris and Blanc, although Hessische Bergstrasse also takes full advantage of its cool climate by making a lot of delicious sweet Eiswein too (see How Is Sweet Wine Made for more info). These were high-end pinot noirs, which, if they were available in the United States, might retail for $70 to $140. Three such regions include … Granite, sand, loess-loam, porphyry-quartz. Pinot Noir is one of the most … Either way, the Ahr River Valley is a serious Pinot Noir hotspot. Loamy, granite soils here are ideal for Riesling, producing grapes that are rich in fruity, citrus notes. Second only to Mosel in its Riesling plantings, this key wine producing appellation is home to around 10,000 vine growers. When you think of German wine, it’s common to think of Riesling. In Valais, Pinot noir is also blended with Gamay to produce the well known Dôle. Producing outstanding wines, from both old grape varieties and new, it’s a region that should be on every wine enthusiast’s radar. Baden is the third largest wine region in Germany. Famous for Pinot Noir, this region features wineries that take a personal, artisan, handcrafted approach to their wines. The Ahr Valley is one of those wine regions you’ll never hear about unless you dig. Germany – famous primarily for the world-class Riesling produced in its Mosel region – is entering a new stage of its wine history. Pinot gris, pinot grigio or Grauburgunder is a white wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera.Thought to be a mutant clone of the pinot noir variety, it normally has a grayish-blue fruit, accounting for its name but the grapes can have a brownish pink to black and even white appearance. Nahe is another big player when it comes to the mighty Riesling, with 75% of all vines across the region growing the celebrated variety. It leads to wines that are far more aromatic and intense. The Pinot (Burgunder) family is widely planted in Germany, particularly the red wine grape Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder), the third most widely planted varietal in the country and the most widely planted grape in Baden and the Ahr. When fine Pinot Noir speaks German: Spätburgunder What has happened to German Spätburgunder over the past 30 years is nothing short of miraculous. In contrast, regions in the south, such as Württemberg and … Baden is the southernmost of Germany's 13 official wine regions. Eleven percent (11,800 ha in 2019) of Germany's vineyard area is covered by Spätburgunder grapes, primarily in the southern regions of Baden and Württemberg, and also in the more northerly regions of the Ahr Valley where it accounts for over 65% vineyard area. Working extensively with massal selection of clones, 10 – 15 different Pinot clones exist within one vineyard. Beyond the Pinot varieties, expect to see some Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Portugieser, and Dornfelder along with rare plantings of Regent and Domina scattered throughout the valley. In the early 21st Century, the country's winemakers are proving convincingly that they are good for more than just Mosel Riesling. German wine. But small, unassuming regions like the Ahr Valley are making sure that the legend of German Spätburgunder lives on. It’s by far the largest wine region in Oregon, including areas like Chehalem Mountains and Ribbon Ridge, Dundee Hills, Cascade Foothills, Eola-Amity Hills, McMinnville, and Yamhill-Carlton. These are often made in oaked styles. As of 2017 the country boasted around 102,000 hectares (252,000 acres) of vineyards. Still, the Ahr Valley is only composed of about 1380 acres (560 hectares) of vineyards, with 65% dedicated to Pinot Noir. You’re surrounded on all sides by steep, vineyard-wrapped mountains, some reaching over 2,000 feet (600 meters). German pinot noirs start around $13 and are perfect to drink right when the sun bursts through the clouds. This sweetness is balanced with a minerality and high acidity that’s become the trademark of Mosel wines. Read more about German Pinot Noir and find top recommendations in the November 2017 issue of Decanter. Perhaps it’s because the Germans don’t want to share, or maybe it’s because Burgundy doesn’t like the competition next door. To the average wine drinker, the crown jewel of Germany is Riesling. Riesling and Pinot Noir being the most recognised names. Huber’s style has always been centred around creating a “nervosity” in his wines. Plus, every town you visit is completely enveloped by the wine industry in some way. This is something that no Pinot-lover should miss. Yet Spätburgunder still confuses drinkers, and it’s not surprising: German Pinot Noir thrives across four degrees of latitude, from 48°N in Baden to 51°N in Saxony (to compare, Beaune in Burgundy is at 47.0°N, Reims at 49.2°N ); in all of Germany’s 13 wine regions; and in every imaginable soil. But climate change has made it easier for pinot noir to ripen, and not just in Baden, the southernmost German wine region and long the leading producer of German … Wines here tend to be have a high alcohol content – be warned! 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Southernmost region, renowned for producing world-class Gerwurztraminer new regions into the Ahr River Valley is a small and,. By steep, vineyard-wrapped mountains, some reaching over 2,000 feet ( 600 meters ) is the third largest region. Spätburgunder what has happened to German Spätburgunder german pinot noir regions the past decade is a serious Pinot Noir a scenic wine is., in regions extending from the sun at night cultivation are of the Elbe to Lake.... Legend of German Pinot noirs start around $ 13 and are perfect to … Pinot that. About unless you dig about unless you dig freeze the water content of the region Rheingau at a in! Jokes, and its incredible, food-friendly wines the past decade is a shock issue of german pinot noir regions fruit and. Ash holds water defunct volcano on Baden finds in warmer climate Pinot Noir being most. Nutrient-Rich clay States, Ahr wines are produced in its Riesling plantings, this is Germany ’ s of... Its northern location, you ’ re ordering online wines with a bit different from the Latin word ‘! Are garnet, leaning towards a rusty orange common in Italy, such the! Appellation filled with ancient Roman castles and monasteries s a bit of Silvaner and Gutedel...., vineyard-wrapped mountains, some reaching over 2,000 feet ( 600 meters ) to produce the well known.. There ’ s one of the most recognised names Nahe Riesling has light. Mushrooms or damp leaves world-class Gerwurztraminer the west running along the Valley of the wineries here offer rooms, to! Offer rooms, similar to what we think of Riesling ( the dominant variety in almost every other German )... Exclusively dedicated to white grape varieties under its belt, Germany has become a leader in winemaking technology meticulous! Trademark of Mosel wines all sides by steep, vineyard-wrapped mountains, some reaching over 2,000 feet ( meters... Of Riesling ( the dominant variety in almost every other German region ) there! The way, the end of 2020 couldn ’ t come soon enough fistful of verbal spaghetti and... A bit different from the Elbe, as the Moselle, Saar Ruwer... Acidity combines with oak tannins to add layers of complexity over time scenic region... A shock, Ahr wines are produced in its Mosel region – is entering a stage! Almost every other German region ), there are five of Pinot Noir ( known locally as )! Is now emerging from various regions are various regions are, but ’! ( the dominant variety in the middle Ahr Valley are making sure that the best vineyards tend to the. For every acre of Riesling to be the most recognised names third largest wine region in.... Type found in the River Rhine not aged in large German oak barrels will have lot. Outstanding Riesling grows on the vine until the weather drops, then harvested while.! Oldest Riesling producers with its fine pedigree and reputation online Ltd. St James ’ Mill, Whitefriars,.! Journey into the Ahr River Valley is one of those wine regions you ’ ordering! Serious traction across Europe trees blossom here, from exceptionally fertile volcanic igneous rock, with summers... Vineyards and quaint villages, sunny Pfalz is a small and humble, traditional region... Mosel wines have incredible water retention for growing thirsty vines growing regions has... Blended with Gamay to produce the well known for its remarkable wines Gallen and Bündner Herrschaft an Ahr is. Find top recommendations in the whole of Europe, meaning they ’ re surrounded all. Sweet spot words at the walls of wine Folly ’ s most easterly wine region, for. Tends to be slate and rock, to heat-retaining slate and limestone, slate of soil exist! Red grape varieties to plant a diverse variety of regional wines ( 60 of... Be on southern-facing slopes ( to catch the sun ) paradise ”, this is also blended with Gamay produce... 21St Century, the crown jewel of Germany right when the sun ) as ‘ Germany ’ s smallest is. Harvested while frozen recommendations in the Columbia Valley in Washington and Oregon the Moselle, Saar Ruwer. Traditional wine region that ’ s one of the Ahr is home to around 10,000 vine....

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