Every other month, our 5 to Try series showcases five examples of stellar wines from varying wine styles, grapes, and Germany’s 13 winegrowing regions. This spotlight is on German wines for all celebrations – to help you Prost Every Moment, both big and small, all year long.
From food-friendly Riesling to sparkling Sekt, explore and sip a new German wine with friends and family next time you have a reason to cheers (AKA ‘prost’). Whether you are gathering for a birthday, toasting to an engagement, or attending a housewarming party, there’s a German wine for every celebratory moment. Try the 5 examples below for festivities all year long!
1. Peter Lauer Riesling Sekt Brut, Mosel – Celebrating an Engagement
Nothing says “congratulations!” like a bottle of bubbly! This approachable yet complex, traditional-method Sekt is worthy of toasting to a couple for their engagement. Sekt is the name for German sparkling wine, and Germany’s specialty is Sekt from Riesling. Riesling Sekt is often racy with pronounced minerality, and the balance of fresh fruit with mouthwatering acidity will mirror the perfect match of the happy couple. With delicate floral notes, stone fruit flavors, and a creamy texture, this dry Peter Lauer Riesling Sekt will add an extra ounce of sparkle to a celebration of love.
- Find Near You: Wine-Searcher.com
- Technical Information
- Winemaker Website
2. Schlossgut Diel Rosé de Diel, Nahe – Celebrating a Birthday
Birthdays come just once a year, so get the party started with a fun and crowd-pleasing wine! What could be more uplifting than a cheerful pop of pink in your glass? German Rosé is most often crafted from Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) and is deliciously dry and crisp with tart berry flavors. This Pinot Noir Rosé from Schlossgut Diel is an elevated, structured, and age-worthy option for a fun pink drink that can be enjoyed all year round and paired with a range of finger foods or more formal dinners – perfect for a gift or pouring at the party!
- Find Near You: Wine-Searcher.com
- Technical Information
- Winemaker Website
3. Bürgerspital Würzburger Silvaner, Franken – Celebrating a Housewarming
When a friend or loved one moves into a new apartment or purchases a house, bring something unique that adds to their home and stands out from other congratulatory beverages they receive. Gift a housewarming host with a German Silvaner, an earthy and expressive white wine with historical significance in Germany but that many in the U.S. may not be familiar with! Bonus points if the Silvaner is in an eye-catching bocksbeutel bottle – a squat flagon with a round body and short neck – a trademark of the Franken region. It’s sure to be a delicious conversation starter for a new home, like this example from the historic Bürgerspital estate with aromas of fresh herbs, complex minerality, and flavors of pear, citrus, and honeysuckle.
- Find Near You: Vivino.com
- Technical Information
- Winemaker Website
4. Eva Fricke Riesling Dry, Rheingau – Celebrating a Dinner Party
Attending a dinner party and not sure what will be served? Just grab a bottle of juicy and well-balanced Riesling! Riesling pairs with practically anything, from light meat and fish to vegetarian dishes, so it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser at the next festive feast. The food-pairing potential stems from its zippy acidity, minerality, and lighter body. Depending on style (the versatile grape can beautifully express all styles from bone dry to lusciously sweet and still to sparkling!), Riesling accommodates all cuisines and flavors from American comfort classics to curry and sushi. This bottle from Eva Fricke is dry, juicy, and extremely well-balanced, and will complement dishes like salads, pasta, fish, light meat, and more.
- Find Near You: Wine-Searcher.com
- Technical Information
- Winemaker Website
5. Neiss Bockenheim Spätburgunder, Pfalz – Celebrating a Family Gathering
Any time the whole family gets together is a moment to cherish. Of course, there are bound to be some disagreements. When it comes to the great white wine vs. red wine debate, Spätburgunder can help everyone meet in the middle as a lighter red wine with lower tannins thanks to Germany’s cool climate. German Pinot Noir, also known as Spätburgunder, is known for its unique spice and distinctive fruit aromas. This dry Neiss Spätburgunder is fruity, structured, and multi-layered, for a *nice* addition to any family gathering!
- Find Near You: Wine-Searcher.com
- Technical Information
- Winemaker Website
Plan on trying these wines? Let us know what you’re drinking by tagging @GermanWineUSA!
