Almost 100 varieties of wine grapes are grown in Germany, with Riesling being the most widely grown grape in the country. For labeling purposes, German wines are subject to strict regulation based on region and the level of sugar in the grapes at harvest. Divided into three levels of quality, German wines are classified as Grosse Gewächse, or "Great Growths"; Klassifizierte Lagenweine, or "Wines from a Classified Site"; and Guts-u und Ortsweine, or "house wines designated by region."
Riesling
Riesling (pronounced REESE-ling) wines vary from very dry to very sweet. Most quality German Rieslings are off-dry with an acidic quality -- sometimes described as "racy" or "mineral" -- and exhibit fruit flavors like peach or apricot. "The most noble" of German grapes, according to The Wines of Germany website, Riesling thrives in difficult conditions and is widely planted throughout Germany.
Gewurtzraminer
The Gewurztraminer grape is a finicky one to grow; the fruit succumbs easily to frost, the vines to viral infection and even healthy vines produce a low fruit yield. Pronounced guh-VURTZ-truh-meener, these wines are aromatic and flavorful, with the best examples balancing fruity and spicy flavors.
Ruländer or Grauburgunder
The Ruländer grape, also called Grauburgunder, is known in Italy as Pinot Grigio and in the United States as Pinot Gris. If the Guwurztraminer wines are too spicy for you, a Ruländer may better suit your taste. These wines are crisp, with citrus flavors, although some producers use oak aging to give the wines a buttery flavor.
Tags: German wines, quality German
