Wines of Germany
Germany is well-known for its world-class Rieslings, but in recent years, a new wine scene has been bubbling up, captivating wine lovers with its dedication to natural winemaking. German natural wines showcase the country’s unique terroirs, indigenous grape varieties, and a growing number of passionate winemakers who are committed to low-intervention, eco-friendly practices. Here’s a deep dive into what makes German natural wine so special and why it’s earning a spot on every natural wine lover’s radar.
What Makes German Natural Wine Unique?
Germany is one of the world's northernmost wine-growing countries, with cool climates, steep slopes, and diverse soils that give its wines remarkable acidity, minerality, and finesse. Historically, German winemakers have been dedicated to quality, and they’re increasingly turning to natural methods as a way to let the land’s unique qualities shine through. German natural wine relies on:
- Organic or biodynamic farming: Avoiding chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
- Minimal intervention in the cellar: Using only wild yeasts for fermentation, minimal (if any) added sulfites, and avoiding filtration or fining.
- Emphasis on terroir and purity: German natural winemakers focus on allowing the vineyard’s character to come through, whether in a zippy Riesling or an earthy Pinot Noir.
What sets German natural wine apart is the balance between a respect for tradition and an adventurous spirit. Winemakers are experimenting with ancient methods like skin contact, spontaneous fermentation, and minimal manipulation, all while drawing on the country’s centuries-old winemaking heritage.
The Major Regions Producing Natural Wine in Germany
Germany’s wine regions are incredibly diverse, each with distinct terroirs that influence the flavors and characteristics of the wines. Here are some of the key regions producing outstanding natural wines:
1. Rheinhessen
- Rheinhessen is Germany’s largest wine region and home to many of the country’s top natural winemakers. With its rolling hills and fertile soils, Rheinhessen offers a variety of terroirs ideal for natural wines.
- Natural Wine Styles: Riesling is still a mainstay here, but Rheinhessen is also gaining attention for its skin-contact wines and earthy reds made from Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and Dornfelder.
2. Mosel
- Famous for its steep slopes and slate soils, the Mosel region is a natural choice for Riesling. Natural winemakers here use minimal intervention to let the pure, mineral-rich qualities of the terroir come through.
- Natural Wine Styles: Expect elegant, mineral-driven Rieslings with a unique edge. Many Mosel Rieslings are unfiltered and spontaneously fermented, giving them a lively acidity and vibrant fruitiness.
3. Baden
- Located in the warmer southern part of Germany, Baden is known for its reds, especially Pinot Noir (known as Spätburgunder). The region’s warm climate and diverse soils make it a great place for experimentation in natural wine.
- Natural Wine Styles: Baden produces a range of natural reds, whites, and rosés. Natural Spätburgunders from Baden are often unfiltered and complex, with a wild, earthy quality that natural wine fans love.
4. Pfalz (Palatinate)
- Pfalz is one of Germany’s sunniest wine regions, producing some of the country’s ripest grapes. The diverse soils here, from sandstone to limestone, offer a variety of expressions for natural wines.
- Natural Wine Styles: Pfalz is known for its bold Rieslings and Spätburgunders, as well as unique, experimental blends. Natural winemakers here are also playing with orange wines and pét-nats, making the region a hotspot for innovation.
5. Franken (Franconia)
- This lesser-known region in northern Bavaria has a distinct continental climate and limestone-rich soils that produce wines with sharp acidity and minerality. Franken’s iconic Bocksbeutel bottle shape is as unique as the wines it holds.
- Natural Wine Styles: Silvaner is the standout grape in Franken, and natural versions of this wine are often savory, mineral-forward, and refreshingly acidic. Winemakers here are also experimenting with orange and sparkling wines.
Key German Grape Varieties in Natural Wine
While Riesling may be the most famous German grape, natural winemakers are showcasing a broader range of indigenous and international varieties. Here are a few that stand out in German natural wine:
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Riesling: Germany’s signature grape, Riesling, is perfect for natural wine due to its high acidity and ability to express terroir. Natural Rieslings often have a vibrant acidity and minerality, with flavors of citrus, green apple, and sometimes a hint of petrol — especially in unfiltered versions.
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Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir): Germany’s cool climate gives Pinot Noir a distinctive character, and natural winemakers are creating elegant, earthy Spätburgunders that are light-bodied, unfiltered, and expressive of the soil.
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Silvaner: This lesser-known white grape is a regional specialty in Franken, producing wines with an herbal, almost saline quality. Natural Silvaners are often highly mineral-driven, making them great for pairing with food.
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Dornfelder: Known for its deep color and fruit-forward flavors, Dornfelder is often made into easy-drinking natural reds that showcase bright berry flavors with a touch of earthiness.
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Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris): Known elsewhere as Pinot Grigio, this grape produces full-bodied, mineral wines in Germany. Natural Grauburgunders often have a creamy texture, orchard fruit flavors, and a bit of funk.
The Styles of German Natural Wine
The natural wine movement in Germany has led to the creation of a variety of styles that range from the expected to the experimental. Here are a few you’re likely to encounter:
1. Skin-Contact (Orange) Wines
- Natural winemakers in Germany are experimenting with orange wines, using white grapes like Riesling and Silvaner. By leaving the grape skins in contact with the juice, they create wines with a deeper color and a more robust, tannic structure.
- Flavor Profile: Orange wines in Germany often have aromas of stone fruits, citrus, and herbs, with a slightly earthy, tea-like quality.
2. Unfiltered Riesling
- Riesling is at the heart of Germany’s natural wine movement, with unfiltered, unfined Rieslings becoming a signature style.
- Flavor Profile: These Rieslings often have bright acidity, notes of green apple, citrus, and mineral undertones. The lack of filtration gives them a cloudy appearance and adds complexity to their texture.
3. Pétillant Naturel (Pet-Nat)
- Pét-Nat, or naturally sparkling wine, is gaining popularity in Germany, with many winemakers using Riesling, Silvaner, and other local varieties.
- Flavor Profile: German Pet-Nats are fresh, bubbly, and a bit wild, with flavors of apple, pear, and sometimes a touch of breadiness from the yeasts.
4. Natural Red Wines
- While white wines dominate German winemaking, natural reds like Spätburgunder and Dornfelder are on the rise. These reds are often light-bodied, earthy, and perfect for sipping slightly chilled.
- Flavor Profile: Look for red fruits, forest floor aromas, and a certain rusticity that reflects the natural approach.
Leading German Natural Winemakers to Watch
The natural wine scene in Germany is thriving, thanks to innovative winemakers who are pushing boundaries while respecting tradition. Here are some to keep an eye on:
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Enderle & Moll (Baden): Known for their beautifully expressive Spätburgunders, Enderle & Moll produce some of Germany’s most sought-after natural wines, with a focus on terroir-driven reds.
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2Naturkinder (Franken): This Franconian winery is committed to biodynamic practices and specializes in unique orange wines, natural sparkling wines, and Silvaner that reflect the limestone-rich soil of the region.
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Andreas Durst (Pfalz): Andreas Durst is celebrated for his small-batch, minimal-intervention wines that highlight the terroirs of Pfalz. His wines are complex, soulful, and full of character.
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Wasenhaus (Baden): Founded by two young winemakers, Wasenhaus is known for its Burgundy-inspired Spätburgunders and Chardonnays that are elegant, fresh, and minimal in intervention.
Why German Natural Wine Deserves Your Attention
If you’re interested in natural wine, Germany offers a diverse and exciting selection that’s well worth exploring. German natural wines combine the country’s famed precision and quality with the adventurous spirit of the natural wine movement. They’re incredibly versatile, with high acidity and minerality that make them ideal for pairing with food. Plus, by supporting these wines, you’re also supporting a sustainable, eco-conscious approach to winemaking.
The Bottom Line
German natural wine represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, offering something unique and surprising in every bottle. From crisp, unfiltered Rieslings to earthy Spätburgunders and refreshing Pet-Nats, Germany’s natural wines promise an unforgettable tasting experience that celebrates terroir, purity, and passion. Prost!