“Global warming also means Germany is becoming increasingly interesting for red varieties, and not just cooler-climate reds such as Pinot Noir and Blaufränkisch, but also more robust reds such as Syrah. There is increasing interest in organic winemaking, with about 8% of Germany’s vineyards now being certified as organic or biodynamic and many more vineyards being worked sustainably,” says Jones.
OPPORTUNITIES
Kendermann’s Jones says: “We are achieving good success with our Kendermanns Terroir wines. These are dry, modern style wines covering key grape varieties such as Riesling, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc, grown on specific soil types such as Kalkstein (Limestone) and Loess.
“Reh Kendermann’s considerable investment in wineries in the top three regions (Rheinhessen, Pfalz and Mosel), together with close cooperation with more than 300 growers, has enabled us to make the best of German wines,” he says.
“We have had some success selling smallish parcels on the export market,” says Jones. “Yapp brothers, our sister UK company, has been able to develop a longer-term success in the high-end gastronomy market. Sommeliers have grown to appreciate the amazing quality of German Pinot Noir and value for money in the context of Burgundy. Reputations for new wines are often built in the gastronomy sector and trickle down to the mainstream some years later.”
Langguth outlines current trends in Germany as: “Regionality, organic and sustainability across all product groups. Wine can benefit from this very well because it is a ‘natural experience’.
“Organic production is growing continuously. To what extent PIWI grape varieties will play an important role cannot be said yet.”
Direct Wines is the largest mail order/online wine retailer in the world, distributing to the likes of Australia, the US and the UK. Its junior buyer for Germany wines, Kirsten Willis, reckons Germany has the opportunity to re-position itself in the market as a younger generation of wine drinkers is starting to appear.
“This means winemakers have the opportunity to create a new demand for their specific styles of wines (such as off-dry) as well as drive sales with their crisp, affordable dry styles. They also have an advantage at being able to offer naturally lower-alcohol wines as we see a trend to some consumers wanting lower alcohol. I also do not think we should overlook the opportunities which Germany has in the red wine market, I think this has huge potential to grow.”
She adds that many consumers like an off-dry style once they have been convinced to try it. “These wines are so often extremely well-balanced and are a higher quality than any other region in the world. This is their niche. I think that we will notice an incline in this section of off-dry whites as the younger generation start to taste and understand these wines. They do not have an idea of German wines already, which is a real opportunity for these wines,” says Willis.
SUMMARY
According to the DWI: “Wine lovers can look forward to a 2018 vintage of exceptionally fruity white wines and deeply-coloured, full-bodied reds, which from the entry-level to the premium segments offer first-class enjoyment and excellent value for money.”
Loosen says: “For us at Dr Loosen, the future is clearly in the past. Through the process of rediscovery, we believe that we are on the right path to produce internationally appealing dry Rieslings that honour our deep winegrowing heritage, but also improve upon it. With our advances in viticulture, and improved cellar conditions, we believe we can rebuild our long-lost reputation for expressive, harmonious dry wines that will appeal to a broader range of wine lovers around the world.”
Jones says: “The trend in many developed wine markets is “less is more”. German wine exports may not be hitting the dizzying heights of the 1980s, but we are seeing a steady increase in quality and development in styles of wines that will ensure a bright future.”
Langguth says: “German wines in general are high in demand. Especially wine experts worldwide judge very positively about German wines and their uniqueness. The whole industry benefits from this opinion.
“The market consumption is stable. In Germany, German wines are on the rise while foreign ones such as France and Italy continue to be under pressure,” concludes Langguth.
