YR ALMAEN | GERMANY
The cool German climate is good for light reds and aromatic whites. Germany is the world's leading producer of Rieslings - the grape was first planted in 1720. Germany are also leaders in organic and bio-dynamic vine cultivation.
Apart from Riesling, the other main grape varities grown are Muller-Thurgau and Pinot Noir.
Most Riesling is produced in Rheingau, Rheinhessen and the Mosel Valley. In the far south - in Wurttemberg, Baden and Pfalz there is a greater focus on reds such as Pinot Noir and Blaufrankisch. The tiny region of Ahr is noted for particularly good Pinot Noirs.
Rheinhessen and Pfalz between them account for approxiamtely half of all German wine.
