Exciting times ahead for German winegrowing regions

Winemaking in Germany has become increasingly dynamic in recent years with an exciting, younger generation of winemakers continuing to make a substantial contribution to the modern-day German winemaking industry. This "Generation Riesling", as it is known, is excellently educated, internationally orientated and innovative.
 

As the managing director of the German Wine Institute (DWI), Monika Reule, comments: “Nowadays, young winemakers are using the vast experience of their wine ancestors, but adopting new approaches in their winemaking. They are expertly combining traditional methods with modern winemaking and environmentally-friendly techniques, and this new approach is reflected in the modern label and bottle designs, as well as in their corporate literature and websites.” (-> Generation Riesling)

Organic production increases

An increasing number of German wine producers are now growing grapes organically: the number of acres used to grow vines organically has almost doubled in Germany in the past four years. „About 5,000 hectares of vineyards are cultivated organically in Germany, which corresponds to a share of approximately five percent of the total area under vines“, Reule explains.

Thus, in percentage terms, Germany - together with Greece at 6.3 percent and Italy at 5.4 percent - takes the lead worldwide in this sector. Many producers have noticed a qualitative improvement in their wines after changing over to organic wine production. However, not all winemakers advertise the fact that they grow their vines organically as, for them, this way of farming is simply a matter of course, not a marketing stunt.

Germany’s unique terroir

Germany’s wine growing regions are amongst the most northerly growing regions in the world, making German wines quite unique. The long ripening period of the grapes paired with moderate summer temperatures gives German white wines their renowned lightness and fruity aroma. For the past few years, red wine production in Germany has also benefited from the effects of climate change. Consequently, red wines have gained a market share of 36 percent in Germany, led by the international varietal, Pinot Noir. Alongside Riesling, this varietal ranks among the so-called „cool climate“ grape varieties which are so suited for cultivation in Germany. They clearly express their individual terroir - the soil and climate in which they have grown. When grown in Germany, these two grape varieties are known for their exceptional fruitiness which, combined with a fine fruit acid structure, produces wines with great storage potential.

Germany – the home of Riesling and Pinot Trio

About 60 percent of Riesling vineyard plantings across the world are grown in Germany and as the third largest producer in the world, German winegrowers are also well positioned in the Pinot Noir sector. Both grape varieties have a very long tradition in Germany. Riesling was first mentioned in a document in the 15th century on the Rhine, and the first Pinot Noir was cultivated at the Southern German Lake Constance in 884. Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris have also gained enormously in popularity in Germany in recent years - together with Pinot Noir, this „Pinot Trio“ accounts for about one fifth of the total German vineyard area.

Gastronomy and worldwide recognition

In the past few years, German winemakers have become increasingly recognised across the world. Nowadays, Germany is not only known worldwide for its high quality mechanical and automotive engineering and hotel industry, but also for its excellent cuisine which matches perfectly with premium German wines. It is no coincidence that Germany ranks second place in Europe behind France in relation to the number of coveted awards for top chefs (such as Michelin stars and Gault Millau points).

Numerous international awards and export successes, especially in the United States, Scandinavia and recently Asia, demonstrate the positive changes taking place in the German wine scene. With numerous events worldwide, wine lovers at home and abroad can explore for themselves the outstanding wine quality produced by German winemakers.

More information: Generation Riesling