Every month, our 5 to Try series showcases five examples of stellar wines across styles, varietals, and Germany’s 13 winegrowing regions.
In honor of the 50th celebration of Earth Day on April 22, 2020, the wines in this month’s 5 to Try demonstrate Germany’s dedication to sustainable viticulture and winemaking!
Germany is considered one of the world’s most environmentally conscious nations, with a long history of organic farming. The country is home to one of the first natural wine groups, the Verband Deutscher Naturweinversteigerer, founded over a century ago in 1910, and plantings of organic vineyards in Germany have increased by more than 100% since 2007 and about 300% since 2000.
For some sustainably produced German selections, check out a few recommendations below!
1. Weingut Jürgen Leiner Estate Riesling Trocken, Pfalz
Weingut Jürgen Leiner is certified biodynamic by Demeter and a member of Slow Food. Practicing “natural” winemaking, each of their wines has a different insect from their vineyards on the wine label, a celebration of the life found among the vines.
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Leiner’s biodynamic philosophy
2. Wittmann 100 Hills Pinot Blanc, Rheinhessen
Wittmann was an early adopter of organic and biodynamic viticulture, achieving organic certification from Naturland in 1990 and biodynamic certified in 2004.
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Wittmann’s organic & biodynamic philosophy
3. Weingut Darting Dürkheimer Hochbenn Riesling Kabinett, Pfalz
Practicing sustainable viticulture, Helmut Darting believes in minimal-intervention winemaking. These practices include fermenting as slow as possible in stainless steel, using only natural yeasts, and avoiding the introduction of oxygen in the winemaking process.
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Darting’s winemaking philosophy
4. Meyer-Näkel Pinot Noir Rosé, Ahr
Meyer-Näkel is Fair ‘N Green certified, which mandates sustainable processes across the supply chain. Beyond the vineyard and cellar, they work with lighter bottles that use less glass and thus lessen CO2 emissions during bottle production and transport.
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Read our profile of the Näkel sisters.
5. Schmitt Pinot Noir, Rheinhessen
Schmitt was certified organic in 2007 and Demeter Biodynamic certified in 2012, and also has a line of natural wines. The winery produces wine with as little intervention as possible, or as Daniel Schmitt puts it, “wine just from grapes!”
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Don’t forget to tag and follow @GermanWineUSA!
