The Best German Wines You Need To Try At Least Once

When you think of German wine, it’s common to think of Riesling. Though Riesling is undoubtedly the queen of German wines, the country’s 13 wine-producing regions produce a host of other whites and reds as well, ranging from fruity to spicy, dry to sweet, after-dinner specialties to versatile ones. Here is a list of German wine varieties that wine connoisseurs should make it a point to sample on their next trip to Germany.

Riesling

Riesling is the flagship wine of Germany and constitutes more than one-fifth of all wine varieties grown in the country. Riesling has a long history dating back to the 15th century, and originates in Germany’s Rhine Valley. This wine is highly aromatic, fruity or flowery in taste and has a high acidity level that is often balanced by adding sugar. It pairs well with a wide diversity of dishes, mainly fish and pork, but also spicy Asian cuisine. In Germany, 60 clones of white Riesling are produced, including red Riesling (Roter Riesling).

Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir)

Müller-Thurgau

The Müller-Thurgau variety is a cross between white Riesling and Madeleine Royale grapes, and one of the newer breeds (19th-century) of German wines. While many wine connoisseurs find Müller-Thurgau too bland and sweet, many others enjoy its sweet taste, fruity (often peachy) aroma, and low acidity. This wine is at its best when young.

Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris)

Grauburgunder is a white wine variety, though the grapes are reddish-gray in color. This wine has a bright golden-yellow color and a mild to medium level of acidity, and is full-bodied. It has a mild fruity, nutty and spicy aroma. It is elegant and dry and goes well with many different kinds of foods. The rich and strong-flavored variety of Grauburgunder is known as Ruländer.

Silvaner

Silvaner has been an integral part of Germany’s wine culture for close to four centuries, and constitutes about 7% of Germany’s wine production. This white wine is jokingly referred to as Dracula Wine, as it is very old, pale and is ruined if exposed to direct, bright sunlight for long. This wine is full-bodied with a mild acidity level. It tastes its best when young.

Eiswein

You would think that icy cold weather is not good for grape production, but delicious Eiswein is actually produced from grapes naturally frozen in the vineyards. Most Eisweins are light, sweetish and honey fresh, with a distinct fruity or flowery flavor. The ABV (alcohol by volume) of Eiswein is usually low, between 7 and 12%. This makes it a perfect after-dinner or dessert wine. However, Eiswein is usually much more expensive than other wine varieties in Germany.

Frühburgunder (Pinot Noir Précoce )

Frühburgunder is another version of Spätburgunder, made from grapes that are ripened earlier than those used to make Spätburgunder. But this red wine has a personality distinct from Spätburgunder. It has a fuller body, darker color, and milder acidity as compared to Spätburgunder. This wine is a specialty of the Ahr Valley.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.