Germany boasts a host of wines that mainly come from the wine-producing regions located west of Germany. The oldest plantations in these regions are located along the river Rhine and grow some of the best grapes that are used in the production of German wine. Most people think of Riesling whenever German wine is mentioned. Riesling may still be the most famous German wine, but there are still a couple more that represent different wine tastes. Wineries in Germany produce both red and white wine, which are either sweet or dry and can be used for various occasions.

Curious to find out about German wines? Here’s a collection of some of the renowned German wines you can try out:

1. Riesling

Undoubtedly the queen of German wines, Riesling contains way above a fifth of the wine varieties grown in Germany. The wine dates to the 15th century and was first produced in the Rhine Valley. The wine is characterized by a rich aroma, flowery taste and a high acidity level that is often balanced by adding sugar during the wine-making process. Wine connoisseurs recommend it for a range of dishes such as pork, fish and even Asian dishes.

2. Müller-Thurgau

The Müller-Thurgau wine is made from grapes crossed from the Madeleine Royale, the white Riesling grapes and other breeds of German wines. Most wine specialists describe it as a bland and sweet wine. Wine lovers therefore love it for its sweet taste, low acidity and peachy flavour and is best enjoyed when young.

3. Spätburgunder

The Spätburgunder, also Pinot Noir, is by far the most popular German red wine. The wine is produced in all the 13 wine-producing regions in Germany. The Spätburgunder varieties grown across these regions have a savory taste as their common characteristic. However, the different soils and climate in these regions may bring a variation in the taste, though the common characteristic remains. Spätburgunder wine is low in acidity and is normally light in color but dark red wines with higher levels of acidity are also available.

4. Silvaner

This wine from Germany has been part of the country’s wine-making story and makes up about 7% of its wine production. This old, white wine is easily ruined whenever it is exposed to direct and bright sunlight for long. The Silvaner wine has a mild acidity level and is best enjoyed when young.

5. Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris)

The grapes used in the production of this wine are reddish-gray but give the white Grauburgunder wine that is golden-yellow in color. Its mild fruity taste and spicy aroma make it a top choice for most wine lovers since it can go well with different dishes. Ruländer is a variety of Grauburgunder that is rich and strong flavored.

6. Eiswein

This wine from Germany is produced by grapes that are naturally frozen in the vineyards. It’s a light and sweet wine with a distinct fruity flavor. Its low alcohol by volume ratio make it a perfect after-dinner wine.

Wine production in Germany dates back to several centuries. Most of the German wines have a rich aroma and a fruity or flowery flavor due to the rich soils and favorable climate of the wine-producing regions. Most of them go well with different dishes and also suit various occasions.