Why Germany is a Gem… For Wine!

In this season of Oktoberfest, we think of Germany and we think of beer. But did you know Germany has an incredible history of wine? It’s the Romans once again that brought vines to Germany around 50 BC, specifically to the Mosel region. In this extreme northernly spot to grow grapes, planting on the steepest of hillsides next to the Mosel River allowed for ripening of grapes and transport of the wine. Around 800 AD, Charlemagne gave a boost to viticulture in Germany, which was mainly overseen by monasteries. He brought vines to Rheingau, along the Rhine River, and it is here that Riesling emerged and began its rise to stardom. Germany’s wine fame peaked in the 17th and 18th centuries. The wines of Mosel and Rheingau were highly prized by many kings and queens, specifically Queen Victoria, and were more expensive than those from Champagne and Bordeaux. In the late 1700’s, German monks discovered the wonderful effects of late harvest grapes, called Spätlese, by happy accident. Picking the ripe grapes was postponed due to the delay of official permissions needed, and after the grapes were already affected by noble rot. The wine that materialized was luscious with notes of baked peaches, honeyed apples, and tropical fruit. Ice wine was also discovered in Germany in the early 1800’s, again as a happy accident. Unharvested frozen grapes were eventually picked in the early spring to feed animals, and found to be exquisite with depth and complexity. World wars caused much damage to vineyards and production, but also a chance to replant with more modern attention and planning. Presently, Germany is home to 13 distinct wine regions and a wide range of grape varietals, of which two thirds are white and one third are red. Riesling is king in terms of quantity and quality, and made into dry, off-dry, sweet, and sparkling wines. Other popular white varietals are Grauburgunder, aka Pinot Gris, and Weissburgunder, aka Pinot Blanc. The most planted red varietal is Spatburgunder, aka Pinot Noir, which is also the third largest plantings in the world. Germany makes both great beer and great wine! Come in to both Vintage and Buvette and try some German wine today! Cheers!