The silent revolution of the North
German red wines represent one of the most exciting rediscoveries in the contemporary wine scene, a silent revolution that has transformed Germany from a land exclusively known for its great whites to a producer of reds of extraordinary finesse and elegance. Global warming has played a key role in this evolution, allowing red grapes to ripen more fully in regions traditionally considered to be at the northern limit of viticulture. Our selection explores the entire spectrum of German reds, from historic regions such as Baden, Pfalz, and Ahr to emerging territories such as Württemberg and Franken, favoring producers who interpret the different terroirs with precision and respect and who are helping to redefine Germany's identity as a producer of world-class red wines, characterized by extraordinary tension on the palate, aromatic purity, and surprising longevity.
Spätburgunder: the other side of Pinot Noir
The beating heart of our selection is Spätburgunder, the German name for Pinot Noir, which finds expressions of extraordinary refinement and character in Germany. Traditionally associated with Burgundy, this grape variety has found a distinctive interpretation in the most suitable areas of Germany, combining the typical elegance of the variety with a tension on the palate and aromatic precision that reflect the unique imprint of the German terroirs. Regions such as Baden, Ahr, and Pfalz now produce world-class Spätburgunder, characterized by an aromatic profile that combines crisp red fruits, floral notes of violet and rose, and an almost salty minerality, supported by a very fine tannic structure and a vibrant acidity that guarantees extraordinary freshness and aging potential.
Dornfelder and Lemberger: Germany's other gems
In addition to Spätburgunder, our selection highlights other indigenous or historically rooted varieties that help define the identity of German reds. Dornfelder, a cross created in the 1950s, has gained increasing respect for its ability to produce intensely colored wines with notes of wild berries, black cherries, and a touch of spice, while maintaining a pleasant freshness even in the hottest vintages. Lemberger (also known as Blaufränkisch), particularly important in the Württemberg region, offers structured yet elegant wines with a characteristic profile of dark fruits, black pepper, and a pronounced minerality that reflects the different terroirs.
