When one thinks of Germany and refreshment the image comes to mind of a wonderful beer fest. However, the idea of leather pants, wonderful ladies with the ability to carry many steins of beer and still smile for the masses is not all that Germany has to offer as far as refreshment is concerned.
Germany is home to vineyards that produce some of the most wonderful wines in the world. Its 13 wine regions produce some of the best white wines that corner the shelves of fine wine retailers across the globe.
There’s a good reason for that market dominance. The Germany wine region has built a reputation based on fruity flavors and wines that are kind on the palate due to low acidity and gentle amounts of alcohol.
Germany is best known for the white wines that it produces – wines that are only very rarely allowed to lie in Oak barrels (which gives then a youthful zip) and are the perfect accompaniment for dishes that require an off-0dry or sweet wine. This usually means an after dinner or dessert course treat – but the Germany wine region also produces some exceptional wines that pair wonderfully with main courses – especially fish and other seafood.
The reason that Germany has such a great reputation for white wines is less complicated than many people think – it is not because the country simply focused on the grape varietals that produce such exceptional white wines – it is because red grapes simply do not thrive in this most Northernmost of grape growing countries.
The nature of the climate also means that German wines vary wildly depending on the year that they are produced – and bottled. A single year’s vintage may be very different from that produced in the previous year – or that produced and bottled the year after.
This is only one of the reasons why enjoying white wines from Germany is such a rewarding experience. The variety and taste is always an exciting experience.
The Germany wine region benefits from its proximity to major river systems and the flows of water such as the Rhine and the Mosel. It is on the edge of these rivers – and on the slopes of the surrounding hills that the sun allows for the growing of the grapes that have made German white wine so famous.
That fame is to a great extent based on the Riesling grape. It is this grape that has brought Germany fame across the globe – and it contributes 20% of Germany’s wine output.
However, exploring Germany’s wine regions can be a daunting task. There are more than one might imagine. However – if one were to select only one region to delve into it would have to be the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer area. here the sunlight and careful cultivation of grape has produced one of the lightest white wines in the world. It is the delicacy of this wine that has truly made Germany into one of the powerhouses of white wine production.
If you are traveling to Europe set aside some time to ex0plore Germany’s wine-producing territories – it is well worth the effort.
