What are some typical characteristics of German wines?

* White Grapes: Riesling, Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, Scheurebe, Gewürztraminer, Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris)

* Red Grapes: Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Dornfelder, Portugieser, Trollinger, Lemberger, St. Laurent

2. Wine Styles

* Dry (trocken): Most German wines are dry, with residual sugar levels of less than 4 g/L.

* Off-dry (halbtrocken): These wines have residual sugar levels between 4 and 12 g/L.

* Sweet (süß): These wines have residual sugar levels of 12 g/L or higher.

* Sparkling (sekt): German sekt is made using the traditional method, and it is typically dry or off-dry.

* Fortified (eiswein, trockenbeerenauslese): These wines are made from grapes that have been frozen on the vine, and they are very sweet and concentrated.

3. Wine Regions

* Mosel: The Mosel region is known for its steep, slate-covered vineyards and its delicate, fruity Rieslings.

* Rheingau: The Rheingau region is located on the Rhine River, and it is known for its elegant, dry Rieslings and Spätburgunders.

* Nahe: The Nahe region is located on the Nahe River, and it is known for its versatile range of wines, including Rieslings, Silvaners, and Spätburgunders.

* Pfalz: The Pfalz region is located in southwestern Germany, and it is known for its full-bodied, red wines, such as Dornfelder and Portugieser.

* Baden: The Baden region is located in southwestern Germany, and it is known for its warm climate and its aromatic white wines, such as Gewürztraminer and Weißburgunder.

4. German Wine Law

German wine law is very strict, and it is based on the Qualitätswein system. This system classifies wines according to their quality and origin. The highest quality wines are classified as Qualitätswein mit Prädikat (QmP), and they must meet certain criteria, such as minimum must weight and minimum alcohol content.