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Wines A Short Guide to German Wines Nobody knows when and where wine first appeared, but certainly wild vines existed long before man — as long as 130 million years ago — and modern scientific tests have shown that wine was produced by man 8,000 years ago, although these early wines could have borne little resemblance to our modern vintages.
The history of German wines began with the ancient Romans who conquered the region about 100 B.C. and started cultivating grapes soon thereafter. In the Middle Ages the monastic orders established many of Germany's finest vineyards and, with their meticulous care of the vines and wines, set the standard for the high quality of German viticulture. The Church's vineyards were divided up and sold to private owners and the states when Napoleon conquered the Rhine region in 1803 — yet the vineyards thrived and the fame of their wines continued. Since then there has been constant progress and development.
The most northerly of the wine-growing countries, Germany produces the loveliest, lightest, most delicate white wines in the world. Low in alcohol and exquisitely balanced, they are wines of charm and subtle nuances. Other wine countries have planted the same grapes — most notably, the Riesling — and tried to make the same wines, but they have been, at best, imitations. Other factors which contribute to the unique character of German wines, such as soil structure and climate, simply cannot be relocated. The wines grown in Germany are extremely diverse, although they bear a family resemblance. Tasting is the best way to appreciate the special character of German wines, as well as to understand the subtle differences which distinguish a Rhine wine from a Mosel wine, or a Riesling from a Silvaner, or a simple table wine from a late-harvested wine. This booklet will provide some useful information about the factors which influence the character/taste of German wines: grape variety, climate, soil, practice of harvesting grapes at various degrees of ripeness. Grapes Grown in Germany 
Germany has nearly 100,000 hectares (240,000 acres) of vineyards. About 81 % of this area is planted in white grape varieties; only 19 % in red grape varieties. By contrast, the worldwide ratio of white to red wine cultivation is almost exactly the opposite. Grape Variety and the Label If at least 85 % of a wine is made from one kind of grape, the name of the variety may be indicated on the label. This tells you what to expect with regard to the colour, taste, aroma and acidity of the wine. White Grape Varieties - Riesling Red Grape Varieties German red wines are refreshing, often light, and show more of a fruity than tannic acidity. They are a specialty, usually consumed where they are grown — little is exported. - Spätburgunder
Climate 
Germany's wine regions are concentrated in the southwestern part of the country, which is parallel in latitude (50°) to Labrador. Her vineyards are located on steep south-facing slopes, in a few valleys and almost always close to a river which tempers the climate, acting as a heat reflector, helping to maintain a constant temperature day and night. In autumn the mist and fog that rises from the river offers the grapes protection from early frost. In addition to the general climate, it is important to consider the micro-climates of individual vineyards. The direction and inclination of a particular slope, the intensity of sunshine reflected from mirroring rivers, a protective ridge of hills or a forested mountain summit, which deflects the wind — all help the wine achieve its ultimate taste and quality. German Wine Growing Regions
Quality Categories 
The German practice of harvesting grapes at various stages of ripeness (selective harvest) determines the official quality category of a wine and is also an important guideline when purchasing wine. Germany's northerly location provides a moderate climate without intense heat, so that it takes grapes longer to ripen than in more southerly areas. This is why the German wine harvest takes place in October and November, long after the harvest has been completed elsewhere. The longer the grapes stay on the vine, the riper they become, which means: more aroma and more flavour. This long, slow ripening period enables the grapes to maintain their fruity acidity, which gives German wines their stimulating, refreshing liveliness. Ripeness at harvest is indicated on the label by the quality category. Under the German wine law there are two categories of quality: German Sparkling Wine: Sekt All material from A Short Guide to German Wines, copyright Deutsches Weininstitut Gmbh, Mainz, 1997 Links |
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