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
St. Laurent
Saint Laurent is experiencing a renaissance thanks to a Palatinate winemaker who has preserved it in Germany. read more
Merlot
Merlot is one of the most grown red wine varieties worldwide and has now entered the top ten red wine varieties of Germany. read more
Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah is a natural cross between the very old varieties Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza. It probably comes from the Rhone Valley in France and is grown worldwide, mostly in France read more
Frühburgunder
One of the oldest cultivated vines in the Pinot family, producing intense, spicy and full-bodied wines. Read more
Cabernet Franc
The red grape variety Cabernet Franc has been native to Bordeaux for centuries. read more
Acolon - fine fruit, good structure
This red wine variety grown in Weinsberg in Württemberg has gained a place in the German red wine range within a few years. read more
Malbec / Côt
Malbec is a red grape variety that has its origins in the southwestern French region of Cahors and is also known in France under the name Côt. It is most widespread today in Argentina read more