is one of the most northern wine regions in the World. It is split into 13 regions: Ahr, Baden, Franconia, Bergstrasse de Hesse, Mittelrhein, Moselle, Nahe, Pfalz, Rheingau, Rheinhessen, Saale-Unstrut, Saxony and Württemberg. With the exception of two regions in the east of the country, all the German wine producing regions are concentrated in the south and southwest. The cool climate creates a long growing season, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly, retaining a fruity acidity, developing natural sugars and absorbing minerals from the soil. Usually low in alcohol, German wines are very refreshing and aromatic.
The standard bearer of Germany is the Riesling, which represents 20% of the vines grown in the country. Germany produces 2/3 of the world's Riesling, with styles ranging from very dry to sweet. The best known are the Moselle Rieslings. These are light, refreshing wines with lime, flowers, and occasionally honey on the nose, and a crisp acidity and mineral flavours on the palate. In contrast, the Riesling grown in the warmer regions, such as the Pfalz or Rheinhessen, produces wines that are often drier with stone fruit aromas, and greater body and roundness. The elegant German Rieslings with their refreshing acidity are perfect with Asian cuisine.
Germany also produces red wines and is, in fact, the world's third-biggest producer of Pinot Noir, after France and the U.S. Going under the name of Spätburgunder, this variety is often grown in the southernmost regions such as Franken, Baden, Württemberg and Pfalz. Silky with slightly sweet, fruity aromas and delicate notes of cherry, the Spätburgunder is the ideal accompaniment to game.