Germany

Germany’s Wines by the Glass Are Stealing the Spotlight

Germany’s Wines by the Glass Are Stealing the Spotlight

Germany’s wines are quietly redefining the by-the-glass experience. Amidst the global wine scene, the country’s whites and reds are gaining traction—not just for their quality, but for their ability to deliver elegance without pretension. Iris Ellmann, managing director of The Wine Barn, argues that German wines are now a must-have for UK on-trade venues, offering a refreshing contrast to over-oaked or overly bold options. Her insights, shared ahead of a London tasting, highlight a shift in perception: Germany’s wines are no longer niche curiosities but staples of modern wine lists. The key lies in their balance. German Rieslings, Silvaners, and…
Read More
The Grape That Made Germany’s Wine Scene Legendary

The Grape That Made Germany’s Wine Scene Legendary

Time to spill: The grape that made Germany’s wine scene legendary is here to redefine your taste buds. Riesling isn’t just a wine—it’s a masterclass in balance, where sweetness and acidity duel like two sides of the same coin. This week’s tasting challenge dives into the heart of why Riesling dominates German vineyards, turning the country into a global wine power. Riesling’s magic lies in its relentless acidity, so sharp it could cut through a penny’s worth of sugar. Yet it’s this very trait that pairs with its honeyed sweetness to create wines that feel both thrilling and refined. While…
Read More
Alsace’s Secret Weapon: The Gewürztraminer That Smells Like Summer

Alsace’s Secret Weapon: The Gewürztraminer That Smells Like Summer

Imagine a French wine that smells like a tropical market in the middle of winter. That’s Gewürztraminer from Alsace—where German grapes meet French terroir in a sensory explosion. This white wine isn’t just a regional curiosity; it’s a paradox of aromas that defy geography. With notes of lychee, roses, and honeyed pineapple, it feels like a summer day bottled in a place that’s technically part of France but culturally closer to Germany. The Alsace region, bordering Germany, has mastered this grape, turning it into a global aromatic standout. What makes Gewürztraminer so unforgettable? Its perfume is almost otherworldly—think of a…
Read More
The Rise of a Friendship-Fueled Winning Specialty Café in Rosenheim, Germany

The Rise of a Friendship-Fueled Winning Specialty Café in Rosenheim, Germany

In May 2024, two creative souls, Lukas Tralmer and Viktor Walther, transformed their friendship into an award-winning specialty café named 08 COFFEE. The duo, who met in Paris in 2015, brought a piece of their unique bond to Rosenheim, a Bavarian town that was soon to experience the magic of high-quality coffee and contemporary baked goods. The name "08" is a testament to the month that forged their friendship. Every August since 2017, they traveled together, exploring Iceland, Costa Rica, Korea, Turkey, and more. These trips were marked by laughter, adventures, and memories that strengthened their bond. "It's the month…
Read More
Germany: The Emerging ‘Pinot Paradise’ for Wine Connoisseurs?

Germany: The Emerging ‘Pinot Paradise’ for Wine Connoisseurs?

The world of wine is facing a harsh reality with the looming effects of climate change. Droughts, heat spikes, hailstorms, wildfires - the list goes on. As Andrew Jefford points out, hundreds of billions of tonnes of fossil carbon now linger in our atmosphere, a remnant of an era long before phylloxera. This excess carbon is causing extreme climate change, which may render our greatest vineyards unusable within two human lifetimes. Germany, however, might just be bucking this trend. With its unique terroir and climate, the country is emerging as a potential 'Pinot Paradise'. The Kaiserstuhl area of Baden-Württemberg, in…
Read More