Germany – is the 8th largest wine producer in the world, producing from 8 million hectoliters upto more than 10 million hectoliters wine each year. It locates on the northwest part of Europe, with the Rhine River running through the country. Most German vineyards are planted on the steep hills where the regular agriculture crops are hardly to grow on. For its geographic location and the continental climate, most of the wine produced in Germany is white wines, varied from dry via medium to sweet. Two factors are the keys for the balance of German white wines – acidity and sweetness. For its cold climate, the wines quite often carry high, crispy acid, which reaches an extreme.

Through decade and decade’s experiences, the German make spectacular well-balanced wine using the nature sugar content to offset the unpleasant acidity. As a return, the wine normally possesses crispiness, sweetness at the beginning and very subtle dryness and fruitiness when swallowed. For its high acidity, the wine is capable of aging for a long period, revealing the excitements and interests to consumers in the world.

Riesling is undoubtedly the No. 1 white wine variety in Germany, accounting for one quarter of all plantings. Riesling, especially from Mosel-Saar-Ruwer and Rheingau region is the best from Germany. Muller Thurgau and Silvaner are more responsible for the commercial wines made in Germany for their large yields. Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris also succeed in Germany, producing quite essential white wines. Very few red wine varieties are grown in Germany, except Pinot Noir being the number one red variety in Germany. Donfelder, a hybrid spring red variety, also is used to produce a considerable amount of medium red wines.

Some terms on the label:

Trocken – means dry in English
Halbtrocken – means medium dry in English
Weingut – Wine Estates
Quality Wine Regions (Anbaugebiete):
Most of the viticulture areas are located on the west border of Germany. Mosel-Saar-River, Rheinhessen, Rheingau and Pfalz are the key regions (Anbaugebiete) for white wines whereas the Baden is more responsible for German best Pinot Noir.