22 - Germany

Question 1

What do they call Pinot Noir in Germany?

Answer 1

Spatburgunder.

Question 2

Explain the general climate in Germany for winemaking?

Answer 2

It has a cool continental climate and all the asscoiated problems that come with this. Vineyards in the far near Baden are noticeably warmer though. Summers can be wet, however rain generally declines in autumn. A long cool ripening period gives grapes the time to reach super ripeness whilst retaining their acidity. When conditions are right botrytised sweet wines can be made in every region. Annual weather conditions can vary considerably. Leading to significant variations.

Question 3

Describe the grape growing in Germany?

Answer 3

The best sites are found on steep and often stony slopes with a southernly aspect. On these slopes vines are head pruned. Where vineyards are located by a river, reflected sunlight can help the grapes to ripen and the air movement by flowing water can help protect against frosts. Harvests can be spead out over a number of weeks and months.

Question 4

What are the dominant varietals in Germany?

Answer 4

• Riesling
• Muller-Thurgau (Rivaner)
• Silvaner
• Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir)
• Dornfelder

Question 5

Describe the common profile of German Riesling?

Answer 5

Flavour can range from delicate and floral, to a richer peachy fruit character. Wines range from bone dry to lusciously sweet.

Question 6

How are dry styles labelled in in Germany?

Answer 6

Qualitatswine. They range from light and fruity to very concentrated and intense and many of the very best are labelled Grosse Gewachs.

Question 7

What are the Pradikatsweine from dry to sweet?

Answer 7

• Kabinett (dry to medium sweet)
• Spatlese (dry to medium sweet)
• Auslese (dry to sweet)
• Beerenausleses (sweet only) (BA)
• Eiswein (sweet only)
• Trockenbeerenauslese (sweet only) (TBA)

Question 8

Describe the Muller-Thurgau common profile?

Answer 8

It ripens earlier than Riesling but it does not have the same level of acidity or flavour intensity. It can produce an attractive floral and fruity wine but in Germany it rarely produces wines of quality.

Question 9

Describe the common profile of Silvaner?

Answer 9

Traditionally strong between Rheinhessen and Franken. Less acidic and less overtly fruity than Riesling and can sometimes have an earthy quality. On the right sites its capable of producing high quality wines.

Question 10

Describe the common profile of Spatburgunder?

Answer 10

It thrives in the warmer vineyard areas and particularly important in Pfalz. Wines are dry and either relatively light fruity or made in a more concentrated style that often include oak aromas.

Question 11

What are the main wine regions in Germany?

Answer 11

• Mosel
• Nahe
• Rheingau
• Rheinhessen
• Pfalz
• Baden
• Franken