Germany
Of all the major wine-growing regions in the world, Germany is the most northerly: German vineyards are located around the 50th parallel. The average annual temperature fluctuates around 10°C. The vineyards are therefore on the border of the area where viticulture is possible. Baden, the southernmost German wine region, is at the same latitude as the northernmost wine-growing region in France, Alsace.
Germany has more than a hundred different grape varieties. Only twenty of these varieties are used for commercial purposes. The rest are for experiments, private use, and the like. Approximately 37 percent of German vineyards are planted with Riesling and Müller-Thurgau. Over 10 percent is planted with Spätburgunder (Pinot noir). Most German red wine comes from this grape.
The Riesling is Germany's primary quality grape. Riesling wines can age very well and can become very old. The better wines even need five years to become drinkable. If you drink them too early, the acids dominate. The full flavour only develops later. Older Riesling wines can develop a distinct aroma reminiscent of diesel fuel. The Germans call this mature taste 'Firne'. The French call this the 'goût de pétrole'.
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