In Vogue: German Light Wines

Light, fruity wines that are low in alcohol are ideal summer wines and a trademark of German vintners, whose vineyards are among the most northerly in the world, and where conditions for producing light wines are ideal. According to Ernst Büscher of the German Wine Institute in Mainz: "In Germany´s wine-growing regions, grapes have a very long time to ripen and develop considerable aromas and flavors. Even though they are relatively low in alcohol (less than 12 percent by volume), the wines are rich in flavor, with a pleasant play of refreshing, fruity acidity and typical varietal aromas."

Storage

Light wines are best consumed while young and fresh, when their fruity aromas are most pronounced. They are seldom suited for cellar aging of more than two or three years. One exception, though: Rieslings, such as those from the Mosel. Even the lighter versions are still a true pleasure after several years of aging.

photo: DWI