Pack your bags! We’re taking a trip this month with Wines of Germany. Just kidding - we’re still playing it safe with Covid-19, so instead, grab a glass and join us online to dive into this celebrated wine region of the world.
As one of the most northerly wine growing regions, Germany has been involved in wine production for over 2,000 years and has continued to be associated with high quality winemaking. Grapes in all 13 regions throughout the country enjoy the cool, temperate climate and precipitation levels that allow them to ripen slowly and benefit from nutrients in the soil. This fosters the development of fruity, well-structured acidity that enhances the longevity of white wines, in particular.
Of the 140 grape varieties planted, 65.% of vineyards are white grapes with Riesling grown in every region. In general, German wine is 64% dry production. Let’s go deeper into the other wine offerings from Germany.
German Natural Wine 101
The cooler climate of Germany’s southwest can be ideal for low intervention winemaking, which is exactly where the largest percentage of natural wine producers are located. In a country with the 4th highest number of Demeter-certified wine estates, there are 24 prominent producers and most can be found in the Rheinhessen region.
A comment on Demeter: Demeter Biodynamic Certification is used in over 50 countries to verify that biodynamic products meet international standards in production and processing. The Demeter certification program was established in 1928, and as such was the first ecological label for organically produced foods.
German viticulture in general is very focused on maintaining a balanced ecosystem and follows the motto “as much as necessary but as little as possible.” Across Germany, 9% of winegrowers are certified organic as of 2018.
The Natural Wines of Germany
Today, MYSA is pleased to collaborate with Wines of Germany to introduce our community to five delicious natural wines. For a full listing of the German wines we carry you can visit the dedicated section on our website.
Wine 1: Brand 2019 Riesling Trocken
Germany’s most noble grape, Riesling, is capable of producing a wider range of styles than any other grape varietal. Depending on type of soil and microclimate, it yields grapes that produce wines with extremely diverse nuances. They range from bone dry, to delicate and floral, to lusciously sweet and from everyday wines to rare, high-quality collectibles.
Region: Pfalz
Producer: Weingut Brand
Grape: Riesling
Vintage: 2019
Tasting Notes: Lovely green apple and limes with some floral notes. Very dry!
Wine 2: Enderle & Moll 2019 'Müller'
This alluring orange is from the Baden region in West Germany where the grape Muller-Thurgau is among the top grapes grown. Refreshing notes of yellow crisp apple, elderflower, and white lilac. Delicious with any spiced or Asian dishes you cook up!
Region: Baden
Producer: Enderle & Moll
Grape: Müller-Thurgau
Vintage: 2019
Tasting Notes: Great intro to orange wine with mild tannin and beautiful aromatics.
Wine 3: Stein 2017 Rosé Secco Sekt
Regarded as the oldest winemaking region in Germany, the Mosel is named for its serpentine river, along which the banks rise so sharply that the vineyards are among the steepest in the world. A classic dry Rosé with fading Rosés, and violet as it gets more airing. The wine is crisp and direct on the palate and leaves a nicely mineral and floral feel. Refreshing, simple, and delicious!
Region: Mosel
Producer: Stein
Grapes: Spätburgunder, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Vintage: 2017
Tasting Notes: Strawberries, cranberries, very light extraction and great minerality.
Wine 4: Weingut Schmitt 2018 Frei Korper Kultur
The Rheinhessen is the largest region of wine production in Germany and the one with the most natural winemakers currently. This wine is a light fruity liter bottle of red with blackberries and red fruits. It's quite deep but still medium bodied.
Region: Rheinhessen
Producer: Weingut Schmitt
Grapes: Merlot, Sankt Laurent, Portugieser, Blaufränkisch, Spätburgunder
Vintage: 2018
Tasting Notes: Lighter red with red fruits and blackberries.
Wine 5: Roterfaden & Rosswag 2019 Terraces
A unique blend of Lemberger, Trollinger, Regent and Schwarzriesling grape from Germany. This red blend is smoky, savory, dark and a little spicy! Definitely punching above its weight for the pricepoint.
Region: Württemberg
Producer: Roterfaden & Rosswag
Grapes: Lemberger, Trollinger, Regent, Schwarzriesling
Vintage: 2019
Tasting Notes: Unoaked blend of mostly native German red grapes. Smokey, savory with nice spice.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to taste these wines and learn more about this special natural wine region, you can order the German Wine Box and join us this Wednesday, December 16 for an interactive workshop. Also, if you are in our wine club you had at least one of these wines in your box so tune into the event above to see our discussion of the wine, region and producer!
Prost!
