The comeback of German dry wines

Although Germans are generally viewed as masters of beer, wine is also a big part of German culture. Wines are divided into two main categories - "Tafelwein", table wine, and "Qualitiätswein", high quality wine. "Eiswein", ice wine, is also popular in Germany. This originated in Franconia, Germany, in 1794, when grapes were left on the vines until the first deep frost, and then the thawing concentrated the grapes' sugars and flavour.

In Britain, Germany is mostly known for its sweet and headache-evoking wines, which have been exported in bulk since the beginning of the 1920's. Today, experts believe that German dry wines have a good chance of making a comeback, provided that people are prepared to give them a try. And Britain, along with other countries, certainly seems to be stepping up its consumption of them. "Riesling" is one such dry wine which is gaining in popularity. It comes from regions near Cologne and used to be served in Europe's finest restaurants.

The history of German wines dates back to the ancient Romans, who conquered the Rheinland region around 100 B.C. and began cultivating grapes. In the Middle Ages, monks then established many of Germany's finest and best-kept vineyards. When Napoleon's army conquered the region in 1803, these vineyards were sold-off to private owners and some remain in the same families today.

Links:

German wine institute
This non-commercial online service provides information and background knowledge about German wine. In English and German.

German wine portal
Plenty of information and links to 37 German wine-growers. In English and German.

German wine
Extensive guide to German wine, written with an almost missionary spirit. In English.