German Wine Types

Wines are more than just an alcoholic beverage for most people around the world. With its aroma and exquisite taste, drinking wine is an experience that most people revel in. If you plan to become a wine connoisseur, then your repertory would be incomplete without the German wine types. Keep reading to get introduced to the popular German wine types, that are particularly recommended by wine connoisseurs all over the world.

German Wine Facts
Prior to presenting a list of German wine types, let me present some facts about them. Vineyards in Germany date back to times of the Roman empire. Most of the wine is produced in the southwest part of Germany along the Rhine and its many tributaries. The country produces a total of around 1.2 billion bottles of wine a year and is ranked eight among the wine making countries. Their specialty is white wine, which constitutes about two third of the total production. Red wine production has been increasing since the 1990s.

The taste of German wine is primarily derived from the Riesling grape variety, which provides a range of tastes from aromatic and fruity to dry, sweet and well-balanced. Other than Riesling, there are 134 grape varieties that are grown in Germany, each offering a unique and different taste. Around 100 of those grape varieties are used for white wine production, while only 35 are used for red wine production. Types of German wines range from rose wines, red wines, semi-sweet, sweet, sparkling wines to dry wines.

Popular German Wine Types
Here are some of the German wine varieties widely known for their taste. It includes a mixture of various wine types including white and red wines.

Riesling
The most popular of all German wine types is Riesling. Created from the essence of the Riesling grapes grown in the Rhineland region of Germany; this white wine has a golden yellow color and has a fruity fresh taste, which is a bit acidic. It may be served with a main course of sea food, pork and chicken and may also be served with dessert.

Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir)
Spätburgunder is the German Pinot Noir variety with a red color and delicate aroma. The taste of this German wine type might remind you of blackberry and it can be served with any kind of meat, including sea food.

Muskattrollinger
One of the popular German red wines, the Muskattrollinger variety offers a fruity taste with a nutmeg like aroma. Created from the muscat grape, it is best served with any dessert course.

Trollinger (Groß Vernatsch)
Cultivated mostly in Württemberg, Germany, Trollinger is a light red wine with a fruity taste. Its color ranges from salmon to ruby red. Popularly served with Italian pasta, this wine tastes best when its cool.

Sekt
Of all the German wine types, all the sparkling wines are known by the name of Sekt. Its taste ranges from dry to sweet and it is the drink of choice for a toast.

Dornfelder
Known as a noble red wine, Dornfelder is a deep purple colored wine, which is created from a cross between Herold and Helfensteiner grapes. Its full bodied flavor is particularly enjoyed world over.

Silvaner
Silvaner is one of the white wine types from Germany that has a soft and floral taste. It is best served with seafood, veal and poultry.

Lemberger (Blaufränkisch)
Lemberger is an aromatic red wine, which is ruby red in color. Best served with pork, lamb or cheese, it is also an excellent choice as an 'after dinner' wine.

Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer is one of the oldest German wine types. This white wine is counted among the noblest wines throughout the world. A ladies favorite, because of the rose smell and the mild acidic taste, Gewürztraminer is best served with sea food.

Kerner
Created from a cross between Riesling and Trollinger grapes, this golden yellow colored wine makes you reminiscent of the Riesling wine, while offering a hint of nutmeg. It can be served with any kind of meat and dessert.

So, these are some of the popular German wine types that you should try out. Describing the exquisite taste of wine in words is a pointless exercise and there is no substitute to actually having a sip. Hope I have tempted you enough!