We believe the best German white wines are among some of the most enjoyable wines out there. With high quality makers steeped in a rich winemaking tradition, the country is well known as one of the top ten wine producing countries in the world.
Germany is particularly good at creating great white wines. And there are a lot to choose from. The country is famous for its Riesling, but there is also so much more to explore.
Your guide to the best German white wines
From Rieslings and eiswein to top quality Grauburgunder (the German name for Pinot Gris) Germany offers plenty of white wines to discover. The country has many winemaking regions, each with their own specialities. Here are some of our favourite German white wines.
1. Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt, Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Kabinett Grosse Lage Riesling, 2017
Any conversation about the best German white wines has to start with Riesling. It’s a grape variety that creates wonderfully fresh, fruity white wines. We love this example of a great dry Riesling. The tropical notes of pineapple and mango may not seem typically German, but it’s light, tasty and wonderfully refreshing.
2. Rudolf Müller Eiswein Silvaner, 2005
A mild 2019 was a disaster for German eiswein production. Germany produces a relatively small amount of eiswein only when the conditions are right. The temperature needs to drop below -7C to freeze the grapes for harvest. And with warmer weather likely in the future, things don’t look good for this particular type of German white wine. And yet this super-sweet dessert white wine is an important part of German winemaking tradition. We’ve picked out this great older vintage as one to try.
3. Wolf Birkweiler, Edition C Vom Kalkstein Grauburgunder Trocken, 2019
When you mention Pinot Gris, most people will think of France or Italy. And yet Germany produces some excellent wines from Pinot Gris grapes. Known locally as Grauburgunder, this grape variety often has a warm, peachy feel. We love this great example from the team at Wolf Birkweiler, a winery in Platz. It’s light and floral with plenty of ripe fruit flavours.
4. Franz Keller Weissburgunder Vom Löss, 2019
If you need the perfect German white wine to go with fish, then look no further than Weissburgunder, the German name for Pinot Blanc. It’s a grape that offers something a little different to Pinot Gris and Riesling varieties. This particular vintage is a wonderful choice. It’s light and spicy and comes from the Baden region of Germany.
5. Groh Sauvignon Blanc, 2014
Sometimes we all crave something a little less complicated. This Cabernet Sauvignon white wine from Groh is perfect. It’s not pricey and is simply an excellent white wine that’s been made well. It is the ideal wine for a summer’s day – floral, light and endlessly drinkable.
