Germany — wine

Pfalz Wine Region

Germany's second-largest wine region; sheltered by the Haardt Mountains from Atlantic rain, creating Germany's warmest, driest wine climate. Varied soils: basalt, limestone, sandstone, and clay. Riesling dominates alongside Dornfelder, Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), and more exotic varieties. Middle Haardt sub-region (Forst, Deidesheim, Ruppertsberg) produces GG Riesling rivalling Mosel.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Exceptional warm vintage in Pfalz; Idig GG achieved outstanding richness and mineral concentration; top recent vintage
2021 Excellent conditions; Riesling from calcareous sites showing precision and mineral depth; GG wines for 15+ years
2020 Good Pfalz vintage; warm conditions for approachable wines; Christmann biodynamic farming enhanced quality
2019 Outstanding German vintage; Idig GG from 2019 universally praised; benchmark for modern Pfalz dry Riesling
2018 Very warm and early; opulent Riesling in riper style; GG wines approachable earlier than usual
2017 Spring frost reduced yields; concentrated survivors on calcareous soils; Idig GG showed impressive depth despite challenges
2016 Classic Pfalz vintage; excellent balance in Riesling from Gimmeldingen to Forst; Christmann GG received high praise