German Wine Regions

German wine regions consist of the following: Ahr, Mittelrhein, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Rheingau, Nahe, Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Franken, Baden, Württemberg, and Hess.Bergstr. Saale-Unstrut and Sachsen.

Here we look at some general information on the region, such as its main varieties and location.

Ahr:
A region situated around the river Ahr, a tributary to the Rhein. Main varieties here are Spätburgunder, Potugieser and Riesling. Although the wines from this region can fetch some rather high prices, they are not known to be anything extra special.

Mittelrhein:
Not exactly a thriving little wine town, it does however attract tourists to its location along the river Rhine. The wines are not priced well enough and you will come across more than a few abandoned vineyards in this area. The main variety here is German Riesling wine.

Mosel-Saar-Ruwer:
A region that is not famous per say; but when a good wine is produced, it is excellent! This is generally a Riesling… or the rare dessert wine. Here the main varieties are Riesling of course, Müller Thurgau and Elbling.

Rheingau:
81% of the vines in this area are Riesling, with 9% being Spätburgunder. However, this area certainly does not do as well as it should. The dedicated wine makers make excellent wines (some of the world’s finest Riesling), but these are few and far between.

Nahe:
Good dry wines and excellent German white wine, Riesling, is made in this scenic region. Riesling, Müller Thurgau and Silvaner make up the main varieties here.

Rheinhassen:
Here the main varieties are Müller Thurgau, Silvaner, Riesling, Scheurebe, Kerner and Bacchus. This is another town which produces top quality Riesling.

Pfalz:
Although there is much wine of bad quality coming from this area, one can also find some good Riesling and excellent dry whites. The main varieties are Müller Thurgau, Riesling and Kerner.

Franken:
The main varieties here are Riesling and Silvaner, which produce excellent dry wines.

Baden:
This is a region which produces wines which can compete internationally. They might not come out on top, but they can be compared to some of the better quality wines available. Main varieties include, Müller Thurgau, Spätburgunder, Grauburgunder, Grutedel and Riesling at only 8%.

Württemberg:
Certainly a more interesting wine producing region. Some superb wines come from this region where the main varietals areRiesling, Trollinger, Schwarzriesling, Kerner, Müller Thurgau and Lemberger.

Hess.Bergstr.:
A very small region with the main varieties being Riesling and Müller Thurgau.

Saale-Unstrut:
Another small region which does not show much promise. Dry wines made are drinkable and one may find a rare good one made from the main varieties of Müller Thugau and Silvaner.

Sachsen:
Also a small region which does not give much hope. The wines do not justify the prices which the German wine merchants charge, and if one was to choose a wine from this region is would have to be a Traminer. The main varieties of wine are Müller Thurgau and Weissburgunder.