Ep 173: Pfalz -- The German Region for Dry Wine Lovers

Pfalz is the region for you if you have the question: How do I get into German wine If I hate sweet stuff?

Overview:

• Pfalz is an important region in terms of quantity and quality. It's one of the most promising German wine regions for Riesling and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir)
• In Western Germany, Between Rhine and lower lying Haardt mountains – continuation of Vosges, just south is Alsace
• • Warmer climate
    • Summers are dry, not too hot, winters mild. almost Mediterranean in some sections (almonds grow here)
    • Excellent viticultural conditions

History:

• Pfalz is from the Latin for for palace and it's named for Palatine Counts of the Holy Roman Empire, who held court in the nearby city of Heidelberg from the 13th to the 18th century.
• Traces of winemaking from 550 BC.
• The region languished for a while after Romans left, viticulture was not a priority for a long time.
• German wine route created in 1935 and is an easy path for tourists, great for Pfalz wine (Deutsche Weinstrasse) -- has helped with revival in modern times

Today:

• Pfalz is one of the most innovative regions in Germany – young winemakers, less expensive land

Grapes

• 60% white, 40% red
  • Riesling 25%
  • Dornfelder 14%
  • Muller-Thurgau 10%
  • Blauer Portugieser 9%
  • Spatburgunder 7%
• Mittelhaardt – top Rieslings, South – increasing plantings of Riesling but also Spatburgunder, Portugieser, Dornfelder
• Different from many German regions –
  • Dry wines, not sweet
  • Fuller bodied
  • Reds – can reach 13% alcohol (rare in Germany)

Pfalz is the place dry wine lovers should try first in Germany! So go explore!