German Wines
Most German wines exported to the United States are made from Riesling, which can produce wines ranging from completely dry to tooth-achingly sweet. Other grape varieties consumers might encounter include Gewürztraminer, Scheurebe, Sylvaner, and the three Pinots: Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder), Pinot Gris (Grauburgunder) and Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder). Our guide to German wine labels will help you understand these sometimes confusing entities.
Wine Enthusiast’s German wine reviews can steer you to the styles you prefer, from any of the 13 German wine regions, including Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Rheingau and Pfalz, among others. Search our German wine guide — a comprehensive database of more than 2,000 German wine ratings — for more details on individual wines.
Joh. Jos. Prüm 2007 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese Goldkap Riesling (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
One of the most remarkable things about the J.J. Prüm wines is their ability to marry richness with lightness, and that's well displayed in this auslese. The aromas are funky-stinky at first, yet with aeration those scents merge with tropical fruit to become an indescribably complex, seamless whole. Extremely long on the finish, with echoes of passion fruit…
— J.C.
(4/1/2010)
Geh. Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan 2007 Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad Trockenbeerenauslese - 375 ml Riesling (Pfalz)
- Cellar Selection
- $333
The numbers on this wine are amazing (380 g/l residual sugar, 17 g/l TA), but even more impressive is how such an extremely sweet wine can remain reasonably drinkable, complex and harmonious. It’s musky and spice-laden, filled with dried apricot and honey flavors that linger on the incredibly long, citrusy finish. Should age indefinitely.
— J.C.
(6/1/2009)
Geh. Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan 2008 Forster Kirchenstück Beerenauslese 375 ml Riesling (Pfalz)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $239
Hugely sweet and decadent, this is a tour de force of botrytized winemaking. Honeyed citrus aromas are buoyed by hints of perfume and spice, with dried apricot flavors accented by spiced honey. Mouthcoating, rich and impossibly long, this wine should easily age for 40 or more years.
— J.C.
(3/1/2011)
Schloss Saarstein 2009 Serrig Schloss Saarsteiner Eiswein Riesling (Mosel)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $448
One of the palest icewines to come across our tasting table, this is an extraordinarily fine example, with great purity of fruit and incredible balance. Tangerine and pineapple flavors shine with pristine clarity from start to finish, making it very drinkable.
— J.C.
(3/1/2012)
Robert Weil 2009 Kiedrich Turmberg Auslese Riesling (Rheingau)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $142
Terrific, from its nearly indefinable aromas akin to Cloud Ear fungus to its intensely sweet yet racy palate. Dried apricot, peach and pineapple flavors give it substance without excessive weight, finishing long and intense. Drink now–2030.
— J.C.
(3/1/2012)
Robert Weil 2009 Kiedrich Gräfenberg Beerenauslese Riesling (Rheingau)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $292
Sweet and viscous, this ratchets up the level of sugar and concentration beyond that of Weil’s 2009 auslesen. Dried apricots rule, but nuances of musky spice and candied pineapple play supporting roles. Unctuous enough to pair with dessert if need be, but better on its own, or perhaps with aged hard cheeses.
— J.C.
(3/1/2012)
Prinz 2009 Jungfer Auslese Riesling (Rheingau)
- Online Exclusive
- $44
The scents of dried apricot and honey are made even more captivating by intriguing hints of musky spice. This is viscous, luscious and complex, with bergamot notes that lend another exotic element. Long and mouthwatering on the finish.
— J.C.
(3/1/2012)
The Bitter Truth Apricot Liqueur
- $34
Among the best of the fruit liqueurs, this delicious spirit is sippable straight up, and would be a lovely accompaniment to shortbread or other desserts. Rich scents of apples and stone fruits abound, with a faint spicy aroma reminiscent of Cognac. Coats the palate with true apricot flavor and a hint of baking spices.
— K.N.
(10/1/2012)
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