German white wines are known for their fruity character, rich texture and crisp acidity. Many are lower in alcohol, making them a good option for those looking for a lighter wine.
While most white wines start to fade after about four years, German whites tend to age well. Unfortunately, they are often more expensive than comparable white wines due to market factors and limited supply.
Many of the grape varieties associated with Germany are also grown in France’s Alsace region, where numerous producers have German names. Like their German counterparts, they label their wines by grape variety, which can make Alsace wines easy to confuse with German wines when shopping in stores or online.
The king of German white wines is riesling, a versatile grape capable of producing outstanding wines in dry, sweet, dessert and sparkling styles. If you’re familiar with rieslings from the eastern U.S., you may find German rieslings a bit softer and rounder in texture.
Mia Lou Roter 2022 Rheingau Riesling shows aromas of lemon curd with lemon-lime flavors and a soft finish that lacks acidity. A bit disappointing for the price. PLCB: $26. Three and a half stars.
In Germany, pinot blanc is known as weissburgunder. From a region known for dry white wines, Erbeldinger 2020 Rheinhessen Weissburgunder is a bright, floral wine with notes of pear, vanilla and herbs. PLCB: $21. Four stars.
Silvaner is often considered a second-tier grape in Europe, typically produced in an off-dry, straightforward style. It is commonly packaged in the bocksbeutel, a distinctive flattened bottle long associated with Mateus.
Michael Frohlich Escherndorfer Silvaner Franken Trocken 2021 is a juicy, easy-drinking wine with apple and pear flavors, a medium body, and a mineral-honey finish. PLCB: $23. Four stars.
Other German white wines worth exploring include pinot gris (often labeled grauburgunder) and the spicy, floral gewürztraminer.
Michael Frohlich Escherndorfer Silvaner Franken Trocken 2021 (SUBMITTED)
Mia Lou Roter 2022 Rheingau Riesling (SUBMITTED)
Erbeldinger 2020 Rheinhessen Weissburgunder (SUBMITTED)
Originally Published: April 6, 2025 at 12:00 AM EDT