Every month, our 5 to Try series showcases five examples of stellar wines from varying wine styles, grapes, and Germany’s 13 winegrowing regions.
In the past few years, top U.S. publications have written bold headlines like, “Germany Might Be Producing the Best Pinot Noirs Available Today” (Fortune), “Your New Favorite Region For Pinots Is In Germany” (VinePair), and “German Pinot Noir Is the Buzzy Alternative to Pricey Burgundy” (Bloomberg). Clearly, it’s high time you tried Spätburgunder (Germany’s name for Pinot Noir).
Pinot Noir is the cool kid on the block, being able to pull off any style (classic red, rosé, sparkling, and even white) and getting invited everywhere (it’s produced in almost every major wine-producing country). But this grape is selective in where it shines and is sensitive to climate and soil. One of it’s favorite places to hang is in Germany, where it reaches top form in the country’s cooler climate.
In fact, Germany is the third largest producer of Pinot Noir in the world, after France and the U.S. The majority of plantings are in Baden and the Pfalz, with the highest concentration in the Ahr, but Spätburgunder has found a home in all 13 German winemaking regions. It’s undoubtedly Germany’s most important red variety.
Try these 5 Spätburgunders to see what all the hype is about! Search sites like Wine Searcher for options in stores near you, or shop Wine.com‘s Spätburgunder selections for shipping in your state and browse more German varieties, too. Cheers!
1. A. Christmann Spätburgunder, Pfalz
Buy now: Wine.com
Find near you: Wine-Searcher.com
2. Ziereisen Blauer Spätburgunder, Baden
Buy now: Wine.com
Find near you: Wine-Searcher.com
3. Familie Allendorf Spätburgunder Trocken, Rheingau
Find near you: Wine-Searcher.com
4. Schnaitmann Steinwiege Pinot Noir, Württemberg
Find near you: Wine-Searcher.com
5. Shelter Winery Spätburgunder, Baden
Find near you: Wine-Searcher.com
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