Bottle of white wine with two glasses holding white wine next to grapes on a table outdoors, with a grassy landscape and a pond in the background.

Discovery Series Explores White Wines of Germany

As white wine gains popularity, Germany finds itself in the spotlight. With over 65% of its vineyards planted with white varietals, the country is a paragon of white wine production, offering bottlings of exceptional quality and aging potential.

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Discovery Series

Exploring the world of German white wines.

Mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks, green meadows, and trees.

The climate of Germany is ideal for the growth of white varietals.

Germany’s cooler climate produces whites with light and fruity flavors, along with the high acidity critical to a long life in the bottle.

Exploring the world of German white wines.

Two hands toasting with wine glasses filled with white wine in front of a blurred landscape.

Of all the unique white grapes grown in Germany, riesling is undeniably the most celebrated.

Riesling accounts for over half of Germany’s vineyard plantings. International Riesling Day is celebrated annually on March 13 to show recognition for one of the world’s most famous white varieties. If you’re a lover of dry whites or like the sweeter wines, riesling satisfies both taste profiles.

Exploring the world of German white wines.

Slices of lemon with sugar on a plate next to a container of sugar.

On the palate, riesling can be dry, off-dry to medium-sweet or sweet.

Riesling is typically high in acidity, like fresh lemons, which can be tempered by residual sugar and a bit of aging. Traditionally, riesling is on the sweeter end of the spectrum but nowadays there are many examples on the drier side for those who prefer a less sweet wine.

Exploring the world of German white wines.

A nectarine, apple, and pear in a clear glass bowl.

Riesling offers enticing orchard fruit aromas.

Riesling is one of the famous “aromatic” varieties, offering aromas of orchard fruits such as apple, pear, nectarine and apricot. Other aromas include honeycomb, white flower, lemon and lime.

Exploring the world of German white wines.

Man in a gray shirt sniffing a glass of white wine with a bottle in the background.

Riesling often displays intense aromas of petroleum or kerosene.

The natural occurrence of a petrol-like aroma is a common characteristic of riesling. Aficionados look for this telltale note which may indicate high quality or the wine’s place of origin.

Exploring the world of German white wines.

Scenic view of vineyards leading to a church tower in a town, with a river and hills in the background under a clear sky.

Riesling is not the only star of Germany.

Riesling is not alone when it comes to Germany’s premier whites. The country has a wide array of grapes, such as pinot gris, weissburgunder and others, that can satisfy the tastes of all white wine lovers.