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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!
A podcast for people who like wine but not the snobbery that goes with it. We talk about wine in a fun, straightforward, normal way to get you excited about it and help you drink better, more interesting stuff. The Wine For Normal People book is available on Amazon! Back catalog available at http://winefornormalpeople.libsyn.com.