German Red Wine

Germany has a continental climate, but boasts some of the most northerly vineyard sites in the world and steepest vineyard in Europe - the near cliff face of Bremmer-Calmont on the Mosel, as an example. The utmost importance is placed on sugar maturity of the fruit due to difficult grape ripening in such a northerly climate.

The demand for German red wine has increased, and Spätburgunder (literally “late Burgundian”), which is what the Germans call Pinot Noir is the quality red grape variety. In the past light coloured red wines were produced but increased demand has lead to darker, richer, often barrique aged, red wine styles.