Thank you Germany: Part 020: The traditional wine culture delights wine lovers

Not only beer - wine also has a special tradition in Germany. Germany offers top-class white wine in particular. When wine connoisseurs hear the word Germany, they think of Riesling. Few other countries cultivate this famous wine variety as well and process it as perfectly as Germany. Even if France outstrips Germany in the production of red wine, Germany is clearly in first place when it comes to Riesling production. The special soils and good slopes offer the very best conditions for the grape variety to grow and ripen an outstanding harvest.

In Germany, quality is just as important when processing grapes as it is when brewing beer. The best possible processing of Riesling has been continuously developed in this country over the centuries. Traditional winegrowing families thus preserve a special cultural heritage. They know exactly when it is the right time to harvest and how to optimise the acidity and tannin structure of a wine to suit the respective vintage. The result is fresh wines with a crisp mineral flavour. They are the ideal accompaniment to fine cheeses or savoury dishes. But a good white wine from Germany is also suitable as a refreshing treat on hot summer days.

Wine festivals are celebrated at the right time in the main wine regions. People come together in a pleasant atmosphere and celebrate the harvest, the good food of the regional cuisine and the sociable nature of the people. Anyone who has ever attended such a festival simply has to appreciate Germany for its Riesling. Abroad, the grape variety is regarded as one of Germany's trademarks. Incidentally, there is not just one particular region in Germany where Riesling is grown. In many different places, there are vineyards that have been cultivated over a long period of time and offer a unique flavour. Connoisseurs have gained a precise overview and each has its own favourite wine. Both at wine festivals and in wine shops, you can discover Germany's regional Riesling culture and find your own favourite wine.

Germans like to drink wine from special glasses at celebrations. The so-called Römer gives the wine its own charm. However, it is not everyone's cup of tea. Riesling can also be enjoyed wonderfully from a classic white wine glass. If you want to drink the wine in a suitable setting, you can travel to a place with vineyards or drink wine at a castle. Many vineyards can be found on castle slopes. And some winegrowers press their product in the cellar of a beautiful castle. With its old walls, it offers exactly the right conditions for an even and cool temperature.

Many restaurants with a large wine list have found their home in a beautiful castle for good reason. It offers just the right flair to visit the Riesling in the place where it is grown. Riesling is also suitable as a gift for wine lovers from other countries. The wine is available in a wide range of price categories. So if you want to impress a real wine connoisseur, you should not go for the cheapest product from the supermarket. Wineries and specialised retailers offer excellent products.