German Wine: Beyond Riesling

Germany produces 4.4 million hectolitres of wine annually, and yes, Riesling dominates. But Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) from the Ahr, Baden, and Pfalz rivals Burgundy at a fraction of the price. Silvaner from Franconia offers bone-dry alternatives. The sweetness classification system (Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese) confuses everyone; the simple guide: trocken means dry, halbtrocken means off-dry. Visit the Rhine, Moselle, Pfalz, Franconia, Baden — and taste for yourself.