2023 Shelter Winery Spätburgunder

All About Wines from Germany

Germany is one of the largest wine-producing countries in Europe, which is quite remarkable given its northern location. Yet for centuries, Germany has proven that top-quality wines can thrive even in cooler climates. The country produces around 9.3 million hectoliters of wine annually, of which approximately 65% is white and 35% red. About 20% of that is exported—mainly to wine lovers who know that German wine is much more than just sweet and cheap.

Wine Regions in Germany

The main quality wine regions are located in the west and southwest of the country. Here you’ll find well-known areas like Rheinhessen, Baden, and the Mosel, where terroir and tradition go hand in hand. In the north of Germany, mostly table and country wines are produced.

Germany has about 102,000 hectares of vineyards in total. Many of these are planted on steep slopes, which offers advantages: better sun exposure during the day and less risk of night frost. In addition, the slate soil (Schiefer) provides ideal conditions, especially for the Riesling grape. Big names like Günther Steinmetz and Joh. Jos. Prüm show with their expressive Mosel wines just how brilliant Riesling from this terroir can be.

Wineries such as Dr. Bürklin-Wolf and Schloss Johannisberg – regarded as the cradle of Riesling – rank among the absolute top in Germany. These icons are not just historical greats; they continue to produce world-class wines to this day.

Germany’s Top Regions and Grape Varieties

Baden: Sun, Soil, and Pinot

Baden, in southern Germany, is considered one of the country's—and Europe’s—best wine regions. Thanks to its mild climate and fertile soils, grape varieties like Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) thrive here. Riesling and the local specialty Chasselas (Gutedel) are also important varieties. One of the most renowned names from this area is Franz Keller, known for his elegant, Burgundy-style wines. With over 15,000 hectares, Baden is Germany’s third-largest wine-growing region.

Rheinhessen: Largest and Most Versatile

At number one in terms of surface area is Rheinhessen, with 26,300 hectares of vineyards. The region is famous for its white wines, with Riesling as the undisputed star. Still, the red wines here are also impressive: Spätburgunder from Rheinhessen ranks among Germany’s finest reds.

Mosel: Steep Slopes and Crisp Acidity

No overview of German wine is complete without the Mosel. Here, 90% of the production is white wine. Alongside the well-known Riesling, you’ll also find Elbling—an ancient grape variety with a light and fresh character. The red wines from this region, including Regent, Dornfelder, and Spätburgunder, are rarer but definitely worth trying. Some of the most sought-after wines from the Mosel come from producers like Egon Müller, world-renowned for his noble sweet Rieslings, and of course Joh. Jos. Prüm.

VDP vs. the Official Wine Classification: What’s the Difference?

Germany has two systems to define wine quality: the official German wine classification, based on grape ripeness (such as Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese), and the VDP classification, which focuses on terroir and origin. The VDP is an association of elite wineries that adhere to stricter standards than required by law. Want to learn more? Read our in-depth blog on the differences between the VDP and the official German wine classification.

About the Pinot Noir grape in brief

Pinot Noir (French), also known as Spätburgunder (German), is a blue grape variety with compact clusters and thin-skinned grapes. This makes it generally a difficult grape to cultivate, as it is sensitive to rot and fungal diseases.

In Italy, Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero or Blauburgunder) is also grown, producing beautiful wines. In Germany, the grape (Spätburgunder) yields stunning wines; the finest red wines of the country. Additionally, Austria also produces Pinot Noir wines of very high quality. In California, over the years, probably the most Pinot Noir vines in the world are planted. Especially in the foggy, cooler areas around San Francisco, it thrives. The grape is also on the rise in South America, particularly in Chile.

The origin of Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir originates from Burgundy, France. In this cool climate, the delicate characteristics of the grape come into their own. The thin skin and sensitive nature make Pinot Noir a challenge for winemakers, but when everything aligns, it produces wines of exceptional finesse.

What does a Pinot Noir taste like?

When Pinot Noir wines are consumed young, they typically exhibit aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and violets. When you let wines made from Pinot Noir grapes age, the aromas shift towards ripe strawberries and plums. Pinot Noirs often have an 'earthy' quality but are generally fairly light, delicate wines with low tannins. This makes Pinot Noir versatile and suitable for many occasions.

Pairing Pinot Noir with food

The elegant style of Pinot Noir makes it an excellent companion to many dishes. Pair a fresh, young Pinot Noir with grilled salmon, poultry, or vegetarian dishes with mushrooms. More mature Pinot Noirs with earthier tones pair beautifully with game dishes, duck, or even truffle pasta.

Thanks to its fresh acidity and subtle character, Pinot Noir also works well with dishes where other red wines might be too heavy. Do you already have a dish in mind but are unsure which wine to choose? Ask Sommy the Sommelier from Grandcruwijnen!

Pinot Noir from Burgundy

In Burgundy, Pinot Noir is at its absolute best, truly shining. Here, the grape produces wines renowned for their finesse, complexity, and aging potential. From the light, fruity wines of the Côte Chalonnaise to the deeper and more structured Grand Crus of the Côte de Nuits: Burgundy offers a wide array of flavors, always with the characteristic elegance of Pinot Noir.

German Spätburgunder

In Germany, Pinot Noir is known as Spätburgunder. The cooler climate zones such as the Ahr and Baden produce wines with fresh acidity, subtle red fruit, and a mineral undertone. Spätburgunder is often lighter in style but can be surprisingly complex, especially from top producers who use oak aging.

Pinot Noir from Oregon

Oregon, particularly the Willamette Valley, is known for producing high-quality Pinot Noir. The climate resembles that of Burgundy, but the wines tend to be slightly more powerful, with more body and riper fruit. Think of aromas of cherries, berries, and spices, combined with fresh acidity and beautiful structure.

Pinot Noir in Champagne

Pinot Noir is one of the three main grapes in Champagne, alongside Chardonnay and Meunier. In the cool vineyards of the Montagne de Reims and the Aube, Pinot Noir provides structure, body, and red fruit in the blend. Blanc de Noirs Champagnes – made exclusively from black grapes – often show more power and depth, with notes of red fruit, brioche, and minerality. Whether part of a blend or solo in a Blanc de Noirs, Pinot Noir gives Champagne a solid backbone.

Pinot Noir at Grandcruwijnen

At Grandcruwijnen, we offer a wide selection of Pinot Noir wines from renowned wineries in France, Germany, the United States, New Zealand, and more. Whether you're looking for a classic Burgundy, an expressive Spätburgunder, or a modern style from Oregon, you'll always find a Pinot Noir that suits your taste with us.

We carefully select all our wines, paying attention to quality, origin, and the story behind the winery. This way, you know you're buying a wine from us that truly offers something special. Did you know that if you pick up your wine, you also receive a nice discount? You'll see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht with plenty of parking space. Click here for our address.