Location:  Central Europe

Grape Variety:  Riesling, Muller-Thurgau (Rivaner), Silvaner, Spaetburgunder

Wine Produced:  Light bodied white and red wines, famous for Riesling

Principal Regions:  Mosel, Pfalz, Rhine Hessen, Baden

Brief Introduction

Most of German wine growing region have a cool continental climate. The long cool ripening period gives the grape enough time to accumulate a good natural sugar level, while still retaining a good acidity to creating a very balanced wine. largely due to the climate, white grapes account for around 60% of total plantation, of which Riesling is the most famous, accounting for around a fifth of all plantings in Germany.

Making a generalization, there are broadly two kinds of vineyards in Germany: Those on slopes, which are usually very steep, and those on flatter land. The finest vineyards tend to be located on the steep slopes in the river valley. This is because on the slopes the grapes are able to get the maximum exposure to sunlight.

Mosel

The valley of Mosel is the most impressive viticultural landscapes in the world, the river runs northwest towards the Rhine between the Junsrueck mountain range and the Eifel region. Almost everywhere the steep slopes are thickly planted with vines enabling not only maximum sun exposure but also ensuring an incubated warm obtained from the slate soil. The surface of the water also has a moderating effect on the temperature and reflecting the sunlight back to the vineyard. The resultant wine is finely fruity, dry and sweet.