Germany - Anbaugebiete

Question 1

Which Anbaugebiete account for 80% of German production?

Answer 1

The four largest, Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Baden and Württemberg.

Question 2

Outside of the south and south-west of Germany, where else produces wine?

Answer 2

Saale-Unstrut and Sachsen, two small wine areas in the east producing predominantly white wines from Müller-Thurgau, Weissburgunder and Riesling.

Question 3

What is distinctive about production in the Rheinhessen?

Answer 3

It’s home to just under 1/4 of German vineyards.
The largest in terms of production, and yields are among the highest in the country.
Liebfraumilch originated from Worms in the southern Rheinhessen.
Bulk production dominates, and plantings are still on the rise to supply it. The majority of this production is under the control of Merchant houses.
Quality wine production is dominated by small estates and a number of co-operatives.

Question 4

What is the growing environment in the Rheinhessen?

Answer 4

Relatively warm and dry, sheltered by various mountain ranges including the Hunsrück and Taunus.
The majority of vineyards are planted on the warm, fertile valley floors ideal for the production of high volume, inexpensive wines.

Question 5

What is the division of plantings in the Rheinhessen?

Answer 5

White dominates at 71%.
Riesling is the most planted variety, just ahead of Müller-Thurgau, which, along with other German crosses, is mainly used in inexpensive blends.
There’s also significant amounts of Silvaner, Grauburgunder and Weissburgunder.
Dornfelder is the leading black variety. With double the plantings of Spätburgunder.

Question 6

Where is the most established region recognised for quality production within the Rheinhessen?

Answer 6

The longest established is the Rheinterrasse, a stretch of steep sloping vineyards on the west Bank of the River Rhein, around Oppenheim and Nierstein.
The east facing aspect means they receive the warming sun in the coolest parts of the day, enhancing ripeness. Proximity to the Rhine and its moderating influence also means that evening and autumn temperatures are warmer than inland, extending the ripening period resulting in Rieslings showing ripe lemon and peach flavours.
Within the Rheinterrasse, the vineyard strip known as Roter Hang around Nierstein and neighbouring Nackenheim are particularly reputed.

Question 7

What is the Roter Hang distinguished by?

Answer 7

It’s Rotliegenden soil, an iron-rich red soil consisting of slate, clay and sandstone. Rieslings are said to show smoky characteristics.

Question 8

Where is establishing itself as a region for high quality within the Rheinhessen?

Answer 8

Vineyards in the Wonnegau in the south, for high-quality Riesling and Spätburgunder. These vineyards also benefit from the moderating influence of the Rhine.

Question 9

Who are significant producers within the Rheinhessen?

Answer 9

Weingut Gunderloch on the Rheinterrassse, and Weingut Keller closer to Worms.

Question 10

Where is Pfalz located, and what natural factors affect climate?

Answer 10

It’s a narrow strip of vineyards squeezed between the Haardt mountains to the west and the Rhine plain to the east. Unusually for Germany, the vineyards of Pfalz are not situated along a river valley.
The Haardt mountains are a continuation of the Vosges and produce a similar rain shadow effect, making Pfalz the driest wine producing region and the only one where drought can be an issue.

Question 11

What is the division of plantings in Pfalz? How much does this produce?

Answer 11

Dominated by white at 65%. Riesling is 25% of total plantings, followed by Müller-Thurgau, Weissburgunder and Grauburgunder.
The climate also suggests considerable potential for red production, currently Dornfelder is the most planted black variety, and second overall, but there’s also significant Spätburgunder plantings.

Question 12

How do Pfalz wines compare to Rheinhessen?

Answer 12

Pfalz tend to be fuller bodied with riper fruit flavours.

Question 13

Where are the most renowned vineyards located within Pfalz?

Answer 13

In an area known as Mittelhaardt around Bad Dürkheim, Wachenheim, Deidesheim and Ruppertsberg in the northern part.
The south or east facing steep slopes in the foothills of the Haardt gain maximum sunshine and are protected from winds, contributing to the production of ripe, full bodied Riesling.

Question 14

What is the general soil type of Pfalz?

Answer 14

There’s a wide range, limestone, sandstone, basalt and clay, which producers are exploiting to give wines of different characteristics and flavours.

Question 15

What region has been associated with inexpensive production within Pfalz?

Answer 15

The Südliche Weinstrasse, with more fertile sandstone soils, was traditionally an area for inexpensive production. However, in recent years a new generation of winemakers has led to an increase in quality, especially for Spätburgunder, Weissburgunder and Grauburgunder.

Question 16

Why has the southern Pfalz seen Pinot grapes be common?

Answer 16

Like Alsace, this southern part of the Pfalz has experienced periods of both French and German rule and is one reason, alongside the suitable climate, that Pinot grapes are common in the area.

Question 17

Which companies make up production in Pfalz?

Answer 17

The same as in the Rheinhessen, merchant houses dominate high volume production, while quality wines tend to come from small estates and a selection of quality focused co-operatives.
Significant producers include Dr. Bürklin-Wolf and the co-operative Winzerverein.

Question 18

What area does Baden cover?

Answer 18

Multiple distinct areas (Bereiche). The main vineyard area stretches from just north of Heidelberg to the Swiss border in the south.
There’s also vineyards between Franken and Württemberg, and around the east of the Bodenese (Lake Constance).
The main vineyard area is situated on the Eastern side of the Rhine, opposite Alsace and also benefits from the rain shadow of the Vosges.

Question 19

What natural factors affect the climate in Baden?

Answer 19

In the main viticultural area, the Vosges offer a rain shadow, and that coupled with the southerly latitude male Baden the warmest, sunniest, driest wine growing region.

Question 20

Which area has the highest reputation for wine production in Baden?

Answer 20

The steep, south facing slopes around Keiserstuhl, an extinct volcano, produce the fullest bodied wines with high alcohol and complex, smoky ripe fruit flavours.

Question 21

What style of wine is Baden best known for, and what is the division of plantings?

Answer 21

Best known for reds, Spätburgunder is the most planted variety, and those produced in Baden are amongst Germanys best, with complex flavours often enhanced with oak ageing.
They come in a variety of styles thanks to the range of soils.
Despite the reputation for red, 59% of plantings are white. The warm, dry conditions make Baden ideal for the production of high volume, inexpensive blends, and Müller-Thurgau is the second most planted variety.
However, there’s a developing reputation for good Chardonnay, Grauburgunder and Weissburgunder, often matured in oak.
Riesling only takes up a small area in Baden, but some high-quality, fuller bodied styles are produced at all Prädikat levels.

Question 22

Which areas in Baden produce wines with more acidity and delicate fruit flavours?

Answer 22

Cooler areas, such as the Bereiche of Ortenau, and on the significant pockets of calcerous soil, such as around the Bereiche of Tuniberg and Breisgau.

Question 23

Which producers make up the majority of plantings in Baden?

Answer 23

Co-operatives account for 75% of production, led by the Badischer Winzerkeller located in Breisach and is one of the largest in Germany.
There are many small estates, though (eg, Bernard Huber).

Question 24

Where is Württemberg located, and what is the current state of production?

Answer 24

Located around Stuttgart, to the east of Baden and south of Franken.
It currently produces mainly light, fruity red wines which are mostly consumed on the domestic market.
The vast majority of production comes from the central co-operative, Möglingen.

Question 25

Where and who is beginning to establish a reputation within Württemberg?

Answer 25

A number of small estates are the driving force as they gain a reputation for very good wines, especially on the steep, terraced vineyards above the river Neckar and tributaries.

Question 26

What styles of wine are produced in Württemberg?

Answer 26

The warm summer temperatures are ideal for red production, and black varieties account for 68% of plantings.
While Spätburgunder is increasingly important, the most planted black varieties are Trollinger, Lemberger and Schwarzriesling, giving producers a potential point of difference on export markets.
As well as the traditional light and fruity style, fuller bodied examples with riper fruit flavours and higher alcohol are increasingly being produced, especially from Lemberger, often with oak ageing.
Riesling accounts for over half of all plantings.

Question 27

Who are significant producers in Württemberg?

Answer 27

Rainer Schnitmanm and the large co-operative Württembergische Weingärtner.

Question 28

What is the division of plantings in the Mosel?

Answer 28

Whites make up 90%, and Riesling 60% of total plantings.

Question 29

What natural factors affect viticultural decisions in the Mosel?

Answer 29

As its one of the most northerly regions, site selection is essential to ensure grapes can ripen.
The best vineyards are on the steep, south-facing slopes overlooking the Mosel which enjoy the best sun exposure and, to a much smaller extent, sunshine reflected from the river.
The dark-coloured slate soil also plays an important role in radiating heat.

Question 30

How is the Mosel generally divided? What are examples of top vineyards?

Answer 30

Into the Upper, Middle and Lower Mosel.
The middle Mosel is the largest and home to the majority of the best vineyards.
Eg Brauneberg (Juffer, Juffer-Sonnenuhr)
Graach (Himmelreich, Domprobst)
Wehlen (Sonnenuhr)
Piesport (Goldtröpfchen)

Question 31

What is the general profile of Riesling from the Mosel?

Answer 31

Palest in colour, lightest in body, with lower alcohol and higher acidity than those found elsewhere, and have pronounced floral and green fruit aromas.
Whilst drier styles are increasingly produced, the Mosel has a strong reputation in producing Prädikat wines in all styles. The winters are almost always cold enough to produce Eiswein.

Question 32

What are the different soil types in the Mosel? How do these influence producers?

Answer 32

Slate soils in a variety of colours - grey, brown, blue and red, and producers are increasingly interested in how subtle differences can influence the characteristics and aromas.

Question 33

What factors influence the price of wines in the Mosel?

Answer 33

The topography of the steepest sites mean working the vineyards is expensive and labour intensive.
The low yields required to make the sweetest wines also impact on cost of production.
These factors, alongside quality, often make these wines the most expensive in Germany.
The Mosel does have scope for cheaper vineyards too, there are flatter sites around Piesport which are used for producing less complex, inexpensive wines, particularly from Müller-Thurgau, mostly bottled by the region’s merchant houses.

Question 34

How is production divided up by different companies in the Mosel?

Answer 34

20% is produced by the co-operative Moselland in Bernkastel, making it the world’s largest producer of Riesling.
The Mosel is home to many small producers (eg Egon Müller and Markus Molitor) and to major wine companies such as FW Langguth, who source wine for Erben and Blue Nun from other parts of Germany and other countries.

Question 35

What natural factors make the Saar and Ruwer suitable for viticulture?

Answer 35

The best vineyards are located in the sheltered side valleys of these rivers, with south, south east and south west facing aspects.
These vineyards are at slightly higher altitudes, resulting in cooler temperatures than the Middle Mosel and acidity in these wines can be even higher.
There are a number of highly reputed vineyards in a relatively small area, the most famous is Scharzhofberg in Saar.

Question 36

Where is Franken located, and what is the general climate?

Answer 36

It creates a W shape along the south facing slopes of the river Main and its tributaries.
As its the farthest east it has the most continental climate of Germanys principle wine growing regions, with warmer summers but with a shorter growing season and cool autumn’s. Spring frosts are a real concern.

Question 37

What is the breakdown of plantings in Franken?

Answer 37

White grapes account for 82%, with Müller-Thurgau being the most planted, Silvaner the second, and Riesling only making up a small amount of plantings.

Question 38

Why does Silvaner do well in Franken? How have plantings changed in recent years?

Answer 38

It produces some of the best and most distinctive wines (although plantings have decreased significantly in the last 30 years).
It is an early budding and early ripening variety, meaning it can reach full ripeness before the cool autumn’s set in. That does make it especially prone to frost, but due to the historic significance in the region, Silvaner tends to get the best sites, which are the least prone to frost.

Question 39

Where does Silvaner perform best in Franken? What is the profile?

Answer 39

The south and south-east facing slopes of chalky soils around the town of Würzberg, giving full bodied wines with floral and wet stone aromas.

Question 40

Where else has a reputation for good quality in Franken? What wines are produced?

Answer 40

Steep terraces of sandstone in the west of the region produce very good Spätburgunder. A well renowned producer is Weingut Rudolf Fürst.

Question 41

What is the traditional bottling in Franken? How well do the wines perform on export markets?

Answer 41

Bottled in Bocksbeutel, a flat, round shaped bottle with a short neck.
Most of the wine is consumed locally, but the distinctive wines are starting to gain recognition on export markets.

Question 42

What type of producer is prominent in Franken?

Answer 42

High-quality estates, such as Horst Sauer, and a few owned by charitable institutions such as Bürgerspitel and Juliusspital.

Question 43

Where is Nahe situated, what is the main producer type, and what is the main climatic influence?

Answer 43

Between the Mosel and Rheinhessen.
Mainly small estates scattered over a relatively large area, resulting in a wide variety of soils and growing conditions, although the whole region is protected by the Hunsrück mountains, resulting in mild temperatures and low rainfall.

Question 44

How are plantings divided in Nahe? What is the typical profile of Riesling from here?

Answer 44

Just over 75% white, with Riesling making up 30% of total plantings.
Müller-Thurgau is the second most planted variety.
Dornfelder is the most planted red variety, ahead of Spätburgunder.
As its slightly warmer, wines have slightly lower acidity but riper fruit and more body than those from the Mosel, though less so the Rheingau and Rheinhessen.

Question 45

What are the growing conditions and topography of the warmest parts of Nahe? Where are these found?

Answer 45

The vineyards in the east, particularly those on the south facing banks of the Nahe between Schlossböckelheim and Bad Kreuznach have some of the warmest conditions, benefitting from the moderating influences of the Rhine and Nahe rivers, and gaining maximum sunlight.
In this strip, slopes can be as steep as the Mosel. Soils are a mixture of slate and sandstone.

Question 46

Where within the Nahe has cooler growing conditions?

Answer 46

The west, where harvest can be a couple of weeks later.

Question 47

Who are significant producers within Nahe?

Answer 47

Weingut Dönnhof and Emrich-Schönleber.

Question 48

Where is a source of inexpensive Müller-Thurgau within Nahe? What other styles can be produced from the same sites?

Answer 48

Where the slopes are more gentle, and the soil is deeper and more fertile.
These sites also produce some good and very good Weissburgunder and Grauburgunder.

Question 49

Where is the Rheingau located? What natural factors influence climate?

Answer 49

A small but highly prestigious region producing some of the highest quality and most age worthy Rieslings.
It covers a stretch of the Rhine from Wiesbaden to Lorchhausen as well as a short section of the river Main around Hochheim.
Just across the river from Rheinhessen, it is also protected from cold, northerly winds by the Western end of the Taunus mountains, which, along with south facing aspects of its vineyards, means Rieslings can be fuller bodied, and have riper fruit characteristics than the Mosel.
The Rhine is also much wider here (about 1km) across, which has a moderating influence on temperatures reducing frost risk and also increases humidity, providing conditions that are favourable for botrytis development in autumn.

Question 50

What viticulture do they focus on in Rheingau? How is this demonstrated?

Answer 50

Quality. Yields are lower than average for Germany.

Question 51

Where are the best sites of the Rheingau located?

Answer 51

Steep slopes around Rüdesheim, Geisenheim (home of the famous research institute), Johannisberg, Hattenheim and Erbach.
Sites on the mid slope are thought to be subject to the best conditions, at least for dry wines; receiving some moderating influence from the river, but far enough away to avoid the humidity that can lead to fungal diseases.

Question 52

What soil types are found in the Rheingau?

Answer 52

They range from sand, loam and loess around Hochheim in the east, to sandstone and slate further west.

Question 53

What is the division of plantings in Rheingau? What styles of wine are most commonly produced?

Answer 53

Whites make up 86%, with Riesling making up 78% of total plantings.
The majority are made in a dry style (arguably the country-wide trend of producing dry styles arguably started in the Rheingau).
However, it is also reputed for botrytised sweet wines.

Question 54

Where within the Rheingau has a reputation for Spätburgunder?

Answer 54

At the western end, around Assmannshausen, where the river turns to head north again.
The steep south and south west facing vineyard Höllenberg is renowned for producing relatively full bodied very good to outstanding Pinot Noirs.

Question 55

What is key about Rheingau’s history that has influenced domaines to this day?

Answer 55

Once home to the German aristocracy. ‘Schloss’ found in many of the winery names denotes a castle or Manor house.
Production comes mainly from estates and Rheingau is home to some of Germanys most famous, eg Schloss Johannisberg, Schloss Vollrads and the large, state-owned Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach.

Question 56

Which producer types are most important in the Rheingau?

Answer 56

Mainly estates.
Co-operatives are less influential here than elsewhere.

Question 57

What is significant about Ahr?

Answer 57

One of Germanys smallest wine producing regions, with only a couple of hundred hectares under vine.
One of the most northerly, but black grape varieties dominate at 83% of plantings.
This is possible because the river Ahr cuts a narrow, sheltered valley with steep, south facing slopes and the soil is dominated by heat-retaining dark slate and Greywacke (a dark sandstone).

Question 58

What was the traditional style of wine produced in Ahr? How has this changed?

Answer 58

Traditionally, black grapes were harvested in Ahr and produced with RS.
The region is now a source of very good Spätburgunder, fermented to dryness with relatively high tannins and spice notes from oak ageing.

Question 59

What is significant about wine business in Ahr?

Answer 59

Wines from small estates are increasingly making their way to export markets, although co-operatives still produce around 3/4 of wine.
The Mayschoss co-operative formed in 1868, and thought to be the oldest in the world.
Significant producers include the cooperative Winzergenossenschaft Mayschoss-Altenahr and Jean Stodden.