Red Grapes
Grape Varieties
Red Grapes
Around a third of the German vineyard area is planted with red grape varieties. There are currently changes: a shift towards Burgundian grapes and the renaissance of classic grape varieties. Pinot Noir leads the red wine varieties, whilst classics such as Portugieser, Schwarzriesling, Lemberger or Saint Laurent, also play an important role. Newer varieties such as Dornfelder, Regent and Merlot have also now established themselves. Here you will find an overview of the red grape varieties grown in Germany.

Spätburgunder
In Germany, the Spätburgunder is to red wine what the Riesling is to white wine: the cream of the crop. read more

Dornfelder
Among new varieties, the Dornfelder shows great promise. read more

Portugieser
Portugieser is a very old variety that probably originates in the Danube Valley (not in Portugal). read more

Trollinger
This very old red variety probably originates in, and is named after, Tirol, where it is known as Schiava (Italy) and Vernatsch (Austria). read more

Schwarzriesling
Although the name literally means "black Riesling," this variety is not related to the Riesling at all. In fact, it is a mutation of the Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) that ripens quite early. read more

Blauer Lemberger
Lemberger - An Evening of Mediterranean Warmth... read more

Domina
A promising, and relatively new, red wine grape, Domina is a crossing of Portugieser and Spätburgunder that was bred at the Institute for Vine Breeding in Siebeldingen in the Pfalz. read more

Cabernet-Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is probably the most famous grape variety in the world. It was documented in France as far back as 1635. read more

Regent
Regent is one of the successful new varieties that is predicted to have a rosy future. It delivers fiery, almost Mediterranean wines. read more