Germany has been producing wine for over 2,000 years. It makes sense, then, that they're one of the best-known locations for wine production across the globe. If you live in the UK and want something delicious for your next wine night, German wine is sure to be an excellent conversation starter.
Here, we're going to discuss some of the best German wines UK consumers love in 2023. Read on for some varieties that you'll want to consider when choosing something to unwind with.
Delicious Riesling Wines
When people think of "German wine," Riesling is likely the first thing that comes to mind. This delicious white wine is known for its intense aromas and fruity flavours.
Some ripe Riesling varieties have pineapple and citrus flavours. Others offer similarly-sweet fruits like apricots and pears. Some are sourer and have Meyer lemon or lime undertones.
There are also dryer semi-sweet options that have jasmine or lime peel aromas. Aged flavours include lanolin and diesel. All Riesling wines have high acidity levels that give them a distinctive taste.
Most of Germany's most widely-loved wines fall into the Riesling category. They're extremely elegant and have well-balanced flavours.
This makes them perfect for a nightime glass that helps you unwind. They're also ideal for a dinner party with various meat or cheese pairings. You can drink wine and enjoy it in a variety of ways when you understand these pairings!
Flavourful White Varieties: The Best German Wines
Riesling wines aren't the only white varieties popular in Germany. There are many well-loved German white wines made from a wide range of grape varietals.
In addition to Riesling wines, Müller-Thurgau options are well-renowned types of wine. They're excellent historically-relevant German options. They're a simple cross between Riesling and Madeleine Royale.
These wines first came into popularity in the late 1800s. They're not very complex and instead opt for a simple aromatic charm.
Many of them have fast-ripening fruit flavours like citrus, apricot, or pineapple. Others are more floral-smelling and have jasmine or roselike aromas. These wines tend to be less expensive than classic Riesling options because they're easier to cultivate.
Grauburgunder is yet another German white wine that you probably already know as Pinot Gris or Pinot Gringo. However, the German variety is a lot fruitier than its French or Italian counterparts. There are many flavours to consider, and those in the Rheinhessen region are some of the most flavourful fruit wines in the world.
If you're looking for a lighter wine, Weißburgunder is an excellent choice. They aren't as complex as Grauburgunder but are cool and refreshing.
They also are easy to pair with strong cheeses like sharp cheddar and aged goudas. These pairings combine light and sweet wine with something sharper and more flavourful, so you'll achieve an awesome balance.
Well-Balanced German Red Wines
Germany may be primarily known for its white wine options, but that doesn't mean that the nation can't produce a great red as well.
Pinot Noir is one of the most popular types of red wine out there, and Germany has its own awesome take on this variety. Spätburgunder is similar to the Pinot Noir you can get anywhere in the UK, but it's a bit lighter than other varieties. It's less acidic and has a velvety taste that every wine enthusiast knows and loves.
While you can definitely get inexpensive German Pinot Noir for everyday use, there are also some luxurious options that are well worth the money. A bottle of Knipser Grand Cru Pinot Noir has an extremely warm and fruity taste. It's silky and complex with flavours like cherry, cinnamon, and cedar contained within it.
If you're looking for an exquisite red that's a bit harder to come by, you also might be interested in Blauer Portugieser wines. These varieties only make up about 3% of wines available in Germany, but they're delicious and refreshing even on the warmest summer days.
These rare options are much milder than dry Pinot Noirs. They're light and fruity, which makes them the perfect choice for outdoor picnics. Since many people haven't heard of Blauer Portugieser before, they're a great conversation starter that will keep your friends interested for a long time.
Ripened Rosés
Germany isn't known for its rosé wines but it does periodically craft a delicious bottle. The most common is a variant of the red Spätburgunder wines that both German and UK sommeliers love.
This extremely dry varietal uses red grapes to create a fruity and light wine that pairs well with fruits, desserts, and light cheeses like manchego and parmesan. It often is carbonated and bubbly, which gives it a great texture and luxurious feel.
If you don't like to drink a lot of alcohol, there are also delicious non-alcoholic German rosé options available online. Our JJ Leitz Eins Zwei Zero sparkling rosé is 100% alcohol-free but incredibly flavorful. You'll enjoy the taste of strawberries, raspberries, and fresh grapefruit when you add this delicious option to your table.
Affordable Semi-Sweet Varieties
Though they're some of the highest-quality wines on the planet, German wines are notoriously affordable for most UK consumers. Even high-end varieties often come out to under £60. Anyone can enjoy bold and fruity flavours with light, airy aromas.
However, if you're looking for something even less expensive, you can still get delicious German varieties for under £20. Well-known wine brands supply imports like off-dry Dragonstone Riesling are extremely inexpensive and well-balanced. It's not too dry but retains pure fruity flavours stemming back to vineyards in Rheingau.
In addition to these perfectly-cultivated white wines, you can find German reds for under £20, too. Mixing and matching various wine types is a great way to expand your palette, find what you like most, and experiment with different wine/food pairings.
Buy the Best German Wine Today
Now that you know some of the best German wine available to UK consumers, it's time to begin planning your next wine night. We're committed to helping you find aromatic and delicious varieties from across the globe.
Our team offers wine bottles ranging from mass-produced varieties to fine handmade options for refined palettes. Contact us to learn more about our offerings and begin selecting the perfect wine varieties for your specific needs.