Wine Guide
Admittedly, Bavaria is more of a beer region than a wine region. Still, superior wines in all their variations exert a special fascination on us. They can be sparkling, dry or sweet and add that final, flavorful touch to many dishes. The versatility of wine is one of the reasons why we have named our Munich restaurant “Vinothek”. So let us take you on an informative journey in our wine guide and discover the most important facts about our favorite drink.
Basic Wine Knowledge
Whether red, white or rosé – every wine is only as good as its grapes at harvest. The grape harvest is a thrilling event each year, because it determines whether the wine will be good. This hinges on several small details that can influence the quality of the grapes, such as the size of the picking baskets. It must not be too large, because then the lower grapes might be crushed by the weight above them and the escaping juice can ferment in the warm weather. But the further processing of the grapes is prone to error as well, which is one of the reasons why excellent wine has its price.
There are 13 wine-growing regions in Germany, with the largest vineyards in Rhine-Hesse and the Palatinate. There, red grape varieties such as Dornfelder and Spaetburgunder are cultivated. Among the white vines, which grow on about two-thirds of the German wine-growing area, Silvaner, Mueller-Thurgau and Riesling are among the most important varieties.
The Differences Between White, Red and Rosé Wine
While the winemaker processes the freshly pressed grape juice from white grapes for white wine, the red grapes including skin and pulp are used for red wine. Both then mature into wine in the fermentation process
Rosé is also made from red grapes. Unlike red wine, however, the grape skins are separated from the juice after a few hours. This gives the rosé its rosy color.
Quick, Practical Wine Facts
Bouquet
The originally French term “bouquet” describes the fragrance of a wine. The variety of aromas is created by the composition of grape varieties, vintage and growing region: the typical aromas of the grape varieties are reflected in the aroma and taste of the wine.
Only part of it, the primary aroma, comes directly from the grape. The fermentation process multiplies and develops the secondary aroma of the bouquet. The bouquet can be made up of around 500 different aromas. In the case of white wine, these include floral aromas such as those of geranium and orange blossom, or fruity aromas such as apple and grapefruit. Potential aromas in the bouquet of a red wine are, for example, black currant or anise.
Decanting
The decanter, a large, bulbous vessel, is used in decanting to transfer the wine. As a rule, older wines are decanted to separate the wine from the sediment. This sediment consists of natural suspended matter and settles to the bottom of the bottle when the wine is stored for a long time. Essentially, however, all wine benefits from decanting, as the decanter’s shape ensures optimal aeration and the oxygen supplied promotes the development of aromas.
Young wine should be decanted before drinking, because it needs oxygen to develop its full flavor.
Quality
The quality of a German wine can be divided into four categories: Table wine, country wine, quality wine of specified regions (abbreviated QbA) and quality wine with predicate (abbreviated QmP). The quality level of a wine is indicated on the label, and in the case of quality wine produced in a specified region, the official test number is also indicated.
If you want to test a wine at the table, first sniff it to make sure it doesn’t smell corked. Take a small sip and taste it: There should be no tang of vinegar and no raspy or musty aftertaste.
Wine Pairings
When pairing wine with dishes, only one basic rule applies: It has to taste good! It is customary to serve a red wine with game and a white wine with asparagus. With other dishes, you are freer in your choice and can harmonize the wine with the taste of the food according to your own preferences. Wine is also popular for good reason with a cheese platter and other tasty snacks in the evening. Check out our wine guide to find out which snacks are best with wine.