German wines are considered an anomaly in the world of European Wines. There are many aspects of the German wine industry that don't 'fit' with the rest of the Old or New World for that matter. For a start unlike the rest of the entire world, Germany produces far more white than red wine – two thirds of German wine is white. And that’s just the start.
Region Highlight
At the confluence of the Rhine and the Nahe, in the magical triangle formed by the wine-producing regions of Rheingau, Rheinhessen and Nahe, various terroirs come together in a way unlike anywhere else in Germany. There are 180 varieties of soil in the tightest possible space here. This is unique in Germany and rare even in Europe.
The Nahe River, situated in one of Germany's driest regions, is protected by the height of the Soon Forest and the Palatinate highlands. Thus, it is no surprise that the Romans discovered the region's aptitude for viticulture. Today, viticulture plays an important role in the economic structure of the region. Nahe wine is multi-faceted and rich in nuances. The Nahe River is also known as the "Probierstube Deutschlands" (Germany's wine tasting place).
German wine is classically fruity rather than dry, low in alcohol and rarely oaked. In fact, the whole approach to quality ranking wine is mostly based on the natural sugars occurring in the wine due to the how late into the season the grapes are successfully harvested. This is fundamental to German wines.
In the modern era we are seeing more and more dry wines and red wines being produced. It has to be said, that these dry German wines are simply wonderful. Wrap your lips around a Pinot Blanc or Weißburgunder, you will be enthralled.
Varietal Insight
Müller-Thurgau, also commonly known as Rivaner, is the second most planted grape in Germany. A child of Riesling and Madeleine Royale, this grape ripens faster than other grapes and is typically picked early. It delivers a light, aromatic, and flavoursome wine that is best enjoyed young.
The German system of wine qualification has several tiers that are based on how late the grapes were harvested.
QUALITÄTSWEIN (QbA)- Quality Wine - These wines have to obey the regional appellation laws and are tested for compliance by an official committee just like quality wine with attributes and subsequently receive an AP-Number. These laws ensure that the wine is from one specific wine-growing region, is made of approved grape varieties and reached sufficient ripeness for a quality wine.
PRÄDIKATSWEIN
- Wine with Special Attributes – (Most of our German wines)
The German wine law refers to the following category as Prädikatswein previously referred to as Qualitätswein mit Prädikat (quality wines with special attributes); representing graduating ripeness levels, which are in ascending order: Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, BA, and TBA. These wines are all naturally produced, no chaptalization (addition of sugar).
Best of the first harvest. Usually light wines made of fully ripe grapes. Intended to be a light quaffing wine or to go with light food. Generally light in alcohol and calories. Can be dry, medium-dry or sweet.
Winemaker Story
Our view into the distance still inspires our work by the river Nahe, just as it always has done since 1675 when we began our wine journey. The Pieroth family has felt at home around the globe from early on, travelling constantly to the most beautiful wine locations on earth. Nothing has changed in this respect. As ambassadors for the Nahe region and also for German wine as a whole, we allow our experience and enthusiasm to flow into the character of our own wines.
