Exploring German Wines: Certified Level 2 Insights
Welcome to Level 2 of our German wine exploration for Certified Sommeliers. This section delves deeper into the complexities and nuances of German viticulture, perfect for those looking to enhance their understanding beyond the basics covered in Level 1. If you haven't yet reviewed the introductory topics, we recommend starting there to build a solid foundation before advancing to this more detailed discussion. Ready to expand your knowledge and expertise in German wines? Let's dive in!
Spotlight on Ahr: Key VDP Producers
Key VDP producers in this area include Meyer-Näkel and Kreuzberg from Dernau, Nelles from Bad Neuenahr, and Jean Stodden from Rech, all contributing to the esteemed reputation of the Walporzheim-Ahrtal Bereich. These producers are celebrated for their commitment to quality and their role in defining Ahr's wine profile.
Understanding Mosel's Wine Regions: Key Areas and Producers
The Mosel wine region, renowned for its steep slopes and slate soils, is divided into six Bereiche: Bernkastel, Burg Cochem, Saar, Ruwertal, Obermosel, and Moseltor. These areas are home to some of Germany's most prestigious vineyards and wine villages.
Key Villages and Vineyards
In the heart of Mosel, you'll find a cluster of villages renowned for their exceptional wine production:
Trittenheim: Located along a sharp bend in the river, known for its aromatic and intense Rieslings.
Piesport: Famous for the "Goldtröpfchen" vineyard, producing rich and full-bodied Rieslings.
Brauneberg: Historically celebrated for its "Juffer Sonnenuhr" vineyard, offering wines with great minerality and depth.
Bernkastel-Kues: A focal point for some of the most delicate and refined Rieslings.
Wehlen: Home to the "Wehlener Sonnenuhr," producing fine and elegantly structured Rieslings.
Zeltingen: Notable for robust Rieslings with a good aging potential.
Ürzig: Produces distinctive wines with spicy notes from the famous "Würzgarten" vineyard.
Erden: Known for its "Treppchen" vineyard, which yields powerful and graceful wines.
Saar's Scharzhofberg Vineyard
One of the most notable vineyards in the Saar Bereich is Scharzhofberg. Located on a south-facing slope, this vineyard is covered in pure slate, contributing to the high acidity levels typical of Rieslings. The cooler climate of this region makes it ideal for producing sweeter, fruitier wines that are fermented and aged in traditional fuder (1000-liter oak barrels), enhancing the wines' complexity and flavor profile.
Rheingau: A Pillar of Modern Viticulture
The Rheingau region holds a distinguished place in the history of German winemaking, often credited as the birthplace of modern viticultural techniques. This region is Germany’s oldest winemaking area and a pioneer in adopting contemporary winegrowing practices.
Historical Significance
Kloster Eberbach and Schloss Johannisberg are among the most storied estates in the Rheingau. They played crucial roles in the development of winemaking in the area and are known for their historical contributions and exceptional wines, particularly Riesling.
Focus on Assmannshausen
Located northwest of Rüdesheim, the village of Assmannshausen is famed for its red wine production, particularly the Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), the most planted red grape in this anbaugebiet.
The Höllenberg vineyard in Assmannshausen is renowned for producing some of the region's best Pinot Noir. The combination of its unique microclimate and slate soils contributes to the distinctive quality of the wines produced here.
August Kesseler, one of the finest growers in the area, is noted for his exceptional Pinot Noir wines that showcase the potential and character of Rheingau reds.
Keller's G-Max: A Testament to Rheinhessen’s Terroir and Winemaking
Exploring the Terroir of Roter Hang: In the heart of Rheinhessen, the Roter Hang is celebrated for its limestone soils, which significantly influence the wine quality.
These soils provide a mineral-rich foundation that imparts distinct characteristics to the wines from this region. The limestone facilitates excellent drainage and retains warmth, aiding in grapes' slow and even ripening.
Keller's Winemaking Philosophy: Klaus Peter Keller’s approach to winemaking marries tradition with innovation, setting a high benchmark in the Rheinhessen region. His G-Max wine, sourced from meticulously tended old vines in Dalsheim, is a product of low-yield viticulture, which ensures each grape contributes to a dense and layered profile. Keller’s dedication to quality is evident in his selective harvesting and precision in the cellar, where he nurtures the wine to express the purest essence of its origin.
Nahe
Helmut Dönnhoff, a celebrated winemaker from the Nahe region in Germany, has a unique philosophy regarding Riesling. He believes that Riesling thrives under challenging conditions, which are plentiful in Nahe due to its desert-like climate characterized by poor soil and minimal rainfall. This harsh environment forces the vines to struggle, a condition Dönnhoff thinks is perfect for enhancing the complexity and intensity of the wine.
Dönnhoff also points out the significant diurnal temperature shifts in the Nahe, which contribute to the grapes' high acidity levels. This variation between day and night temperatures is crucial for developing the aromatic compounds and maintaining the acidity for which Riesling is known.
Interestingly, Dönnhoff emphasizes the importance of terroir over varietal by referring to his wines as "Riesling" and by the names of the vineyard sites from which they are harvested, like "Hermannshöhle GG." This approach highlights the vineyard's unique characteristics in the wine, underscoring the idea that each site's specific conditions truly define the wine's flavors and qualities.
Volcanic Legacy: Exploring Baden's Wine Terroir
Baden, one of Germany's most prestigious wine regions, is significantly shaped by its volcanic past. The Kaiserstuhl area in Baden is notably recognized for its unique geological formation, resulting from volcanic activity that peaked during the Tertiary period after beginning in the Cretaceous. This history has left the region with distinct volcanic landforms, including heavily eroded volcanic vents that now contribute to the area's rich and diverse terroir.
Dr. Heger: A Name Synonymous with Quality in Baden
Among the notable producers in Baden is Dr. Heger, a winery that has harnessed this volcanic terroir to produce some of Germany's most acclaimed wines. The vineyards here benefit from the volcanic soils, which are renowned for retaining heat and providing excellent drainage. This creates a microclimate conducive to viticulture, allowing grapes to develop intense flavors and a strong mineral backbone.
Dr. Heger’s wines testify to the unique interaction between the varietal characteristics and the volcanic soil, offering a highly prized complexity and depth. The winery focuses on traditional Baden varieties, utilizing mineral-rich soils to enhance the natural qualities of the grapes.
The Influence of Volcanic Soil on Viticulture
The volcanic soils in Baden, particularly around Kaiserstuhl, are rich in minerals and retain heat well into the night, which helps in the even ripening of grapes. This geological benefit is crucial in cooler climates, as it extends the growing season and ensures that grapes can mature fully, developing a balanced acidity and sugar content.
Pfalz: A Hub of Premier Winemaking in Germany
Pfalz stands out as one of Germany's warmest wine-growing regions, creating an ideal viticulture climate that supports traditional and innovative wine production. This warmth allows for a longer growing season, which is particularly beneficial for ripening grapes that require more heat, leading to fuller-bodied and richly flavored wines.
Renowned Wineries of Pfalz
Von Buhl: Known for its refined and expressive Rieslings, Weingut Von Buhl capitalizes on the warm climate of Pfalz to produce wines that showcase power and elegance. The estate is deeply rooted in tradition yet adopts modern winemaking practices to enhance the quality of its offerings.
Bassermann-Jordan: Another beacon of quality in Pfalz, Weingut Bassermann-Jordan is celebrated for its commitment to terroir-driven wines. This winery has a storied history and is known for meticulously crafted wines that reflect the unique characteristics of its vineyard sites.
Dr. Bürklin-Wolf: As one of the largest and oldest family-owned wineries in Germany, Dr. Bürklin-Wolf is a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture in Pfalz. Their approach to winemaking emphasizes sustainability and respect for nature, producing complex and sustainable wines.
Pfalz's Unique Climate and Soil
The warm climate of Pfalz is complemented by diverse soil types, including sandstone, limestone, and loess, which contribute to the distinct profiles of the wines. This variety in soil and climate allows Pfalz to support a wide range of grape varieties, from Riesling to Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and beyond. The region's ability to produce such a wide array of wine styles makes it a significant area of interest for sommeliers and wine enthusiasts looking to explore the richness of German wines.
The Bocksbeutel: Icon of Franken Wine Tradition
Franken, also known as Franconia, is located in northwest Bavaria and is distinguished by its quality wines and the unique Bocksbeutel bottle. This ellipsoidal bottle, protected by the European Union, is a significant cultural symbol for the region.
Distinctive Design
The Bocksbeutel, a flagon-like bottle, holds over 40% of all Franken wines. Its shape is practical for stability and storage and serves as a hallmark of quality, deeply ingrained in the local wine culture. Its use is specifically safeguarded under EU regulations, ensuring it remains exclusive to wines that meet precise standards.
Exploring Schillerwein and Trollinger from Württemberg
Schillerwein: A Unique Rosé Style In Württemberg, a distinct style of rosé known as Schillerwein is produced. This style involves co-fermenting red and white grapes, offering a unique blend of flavors and aromas, combining the characteristics of both grape types. Schillerwein stands out for its balance and complexity, making it a favorite among those who appreciate the subtleties of rosé wines.
Trollinger Grape Variety Trollinger is an ancient red grape variety that likely originated in Tirol — a region straddling parts of modern-day Italy and Austria. In Tirol, it’s known as Schiava and Vernatsch. This variety is particularly significant in Württemberg, which thrives due to its conducive climate and soil conditions. Trollinger wines are typically light-bodied, with a fresh and fruity profile, making them highly approachable and enjoyable.
"Classic" and "Selection"
In the classification of German wines, particularly for those aiming for a dryer style, "Classic" and "Selection" wines have specific parameters regarding residual sugar content:
Classic wines are categorized as "harmoniously dry" and can contain up to 15 grams per liter of residual sugar. This classification aims to balance dryness without being overly sweet, making them versatile for pairing with various foods.
Selection wines are designated as "superior dry" and have a stricter limit on residual sugar, capped at 9 grams per liter. However, for Riesling, a grape variety known for its acidity and potential for sweetness, the allowable residual sugar content can go up to 12 grams per liter. This category is intended for wines from exceptional quality vineyards and typically involves more selective grape picking and stricter production standards.
