Every month, our 5 to Try series showcases five examples of stellar wines from varying wine styles, grapes, and Germany’s 13 winegrowing regions.
When it comes to red wines, Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) reigns in Germany. It’s the third most widely planted varietal in the country and the most widely planted grape in Baden and the Ahr. But Germany has many more red wines to offer! Of the roughly 103,000 hectares of vineyard area, 33% is planted with red grapes. In addition to Baden and the Ahr, red wines are important in Württemberg, where Trollinger, Lemberger, and Schwarzriesling (Pinot Meunier) are cultivated, and in the Pfalz, with Dornfelder, Portugieser, and Spätburgunder.
Germany’s wine regions are considered “cool-climate” and are more often associated with white wines, but they’ve always cultivated red wines as well. Thanks in part to rising global temperatures, advanced techniques, and courageous winemakers willing to experiment, today’s red German wines are better than ever.
Explore the unique selections of “other” red wines from Germany below! (And you can check out the Pinot Noir 5 to Try here!)
1. Andreas Durst Portugieser “P”, Pfalz
Medium-bodied with mild tannins, Portugieser is a fresh, fruity, and uncomplicated wine perfect for everyday drinking. While the grape is well-suited for Rosé, Andreas Durst has proven its potential to become a tannic, powerful red wine. Grown on a tiny parcel of vines planted in 1906, Andreas Durst Portugieser “P” is mysteriously magnificent: earthy and floral, dense yet delicate with a smoky, satiny finish.
Find near you: Wine-Searcher.com
2. Beurer Trollinger Trocken, Württemberg
Trollinger is known as Württemberg’s premier red grape, with the variety almost exclusively grown in the region. From light brick red to pale ruby, Trollinger wines are meant to be enjoyed young; they’re light and bright with a delicate red fruit aroma. Known as Schiava in Italy, Trollinger is one of the few red wines that benefits from a slight chill. Jochen Beurer’s Trollinger Trocken is a vivid, energetic red wine with flavors of red fruit, dried spice and a crave-worthy minerality.
Find near you: Wine-Searcher.com
3. Weingut Fritz Windisch Heimersheimer Rotenfels Dornfelder, Rheinhessen
Dornfelder is Germany’s most successful red grape crossing, first bred in Württemberg in 1955. Dornfelder is known for producing juicy, deeply colored red wines with intense, fruity aromas. While the variety shines in any style, Dornfelder is most commonly vinified dry. Yet, Weingut Fritz Windisch’s interpretation of the grape is perfect for lovers of wines that aren’t too dry, with smooth tannins and harmonious flavors of cherries, red berries and plums.
Buy now: Wine.com
Find near you: Wine-Searcher.com
4. Weingut Darting Pinot Meunier Trocken, Pfalz
Internationally known as Pinot Meunier, Schwarzriesling is a mutation of Spätburgunder, sharing its delicate body, fruity aroma, and impressive food pairing ability. Ruby red in color, Pinot Meunier is most popular in Württemberg, where the majority of the variety is cultivated. Weingut Darting’s Pinot Meunier is the Pfalz region’s interpretation of the grape. Full-bodied and tannic with notes of dark plum and cherry, Weingut Darting’s Schwarzriesling is a fruit-forward wine with an earthy finish.
Buy now: Wine.com
Find near you: Wine-Searcher.com
5. Stein Cabernet Sauvignon vom Berg, Mosel
While most commonly grown in France, Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in the most diverse climates and soils, including Germany’s cool-climate regions. The late-ripening variety is perfect for aging, producing tannic, deeply colored wines with a unique blackcurrant flavor and green bell pepper aroma. Weingut Ulrich Stein’s Cabernet Sauvignon vom Berg is dominated by tart berry and deep earthy flavors, with its pronounced acidity and cedar aromas standing up to even the richest foods.
Find near you: Wine-Searcher.com
Plan on trying these wines? Don’t forget to tag and follow @GermanWineUSA!
