SouthWest Germany’s grape varieties
SouthWest Germany is wine country and has grape varieties that are peculiar to this part of the world: Trollinger, Lemberger, Müller-Thurgau, Kerner, Pinot and so on. So, wines from this region really are special and are attracting an ever-growing fan club in Germany and around the world.
The legendary and delicious Trollinger grape
Nicknamed “Württemberg’s national drink,” Trollinger is made from the Trollinger grape, the most popular variety in the South. Late-ripening, and with a brick-red color, it goes perfectly with hearty, rustic, local dishes such as Zwiebelrostbraten (ribeye with crispy onion).
The festive and velvety Samtrot grape
The Heilbronn area is known for the Samtrot grape, a variety somewhere between black Riesling and Pinot Noir. It produces an easy-drinking red wine that is soft and velvety. And, it is the main attraction at the annual Heilbronn Wine Festival. For a Sunday meal of roast beef, Samtrot wine is the perfect accompaniment.
Riesling, the king of white wines
The best-known representative of Germany’s wine heritage, Riesling is grown throughout SouthWest Germany. Subtle and sophisticated, with a balance between high acidity and flowery aromas, this is the most complex grape variety in the world, a wine that you can drink young everyday – or, when aged, on those special occasions.
The Kerner, Württemberg’s local hero
From Swabia, the aromatic white Kerner is a cross between Trollinger and Riesling. Named after Justinus Kerner, a Swabian poet, this elegant 80-year-old variety ripens in October. As a dry or semi-dry white wine, Kerner goes well with dishes such as salads, fish or poultry.