Germany is a cool-climate wine nation renowned above all for aromatic, high-acid Riesling, ranging from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Pinot Noir and other reds have grown significantly in importance since the 1990s, though whites still dominate overall production.
Grapes grown here
Sub-regions
Baden
Baden is Germany's warmest wine region, sheltered by the Black Forest and Vosges mountains, and produces more full-bodied, higher-alcohol wines than most other German regions. It stands out for favoring Pinot family grapes, especially Pinot Noir, over Riesling.
Mosel
The Mosel is a steep, slate-soiled river valley in Germany famed for producing some of the world's most elegant, mineral-driven Rieslings. Its cool climate and sunlight-reflecting river give the wines their signature light body and crisp acidity.
Nahe
The Nahe is a German wine region with unusually varied, volcanic-influenced soils along the River Nahe. It has gained international recognition for high-quality Rieslings often compared favorably to those of the neighboring Mosel and Rheingau.
Pfalz
The Pfalz, Germany's second-largest wine region, borders Alsace and shares its warm, sunny climate. It produces mostly dry whites led by Riesling, alongside a growing share of reds such as Dornfelder, and has a local tradition of mixing wine with sparkling water as "Schorle."
Rheingau
Rheingau is a historic German wine region along a south-facing stretch of the Rhine, with a higher share of Riesling than anywhere else in Germany. It has a long history of winemaking innovation and produces some of the country's most age-worthy dry and sweet styles.
Rheinhessen
Rheinhessen is Germany's largest wine region, historically linked to soft, sweetish Liebfraumilch but increasingly known for powerful dry Rieslings. It also produces a substantial share of red wine, more than most other German regions.