Riesling, Bordeaux, Pinot Noir – there are around 10,000 grape varieties worldwide. Many of them are grown in Germany, South Tyrol or France. Wine lovers can go on a winemaking journey of discovery, especially in late summer or autumn, and visit the various estates during the harvest. This article shows where your pleasure route could lead.
On a vine discovery tour in Germany
Germany is not only blessed with countless beautiful national parks, but also with wonderful wine regions. On the Moselle, the river winds through steep vineyards that are primarily known for growing Riesling.
This wine is characterized by its fruity acidity and mineral sharpness, which thrives in the region’s cool climate and slate soils.
The Rheingau, another famous wine region, lies along the Rhine and is also a center for Riesling cultivation. The wines here are often slightly fuller and stronger than the Moselle Rieslings and offer great depth and complexity.
Tradition meets innovation in German wine landscapes
Further south extends the Palatinate, which boasts an impressive variety of grape varieties. Not only Riesling thrives here, but also varieties such as Pinot Noir and Dornfelder. The Palatinate is known for its higher temperatures, which, together with fertile soils, create ideal conditions for viticulture.
Baden, the warmest of all German wine regions, is close to the French border and benefits from an almost Mediterranean climate. Burgundy varieties such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc dominate here. The wines are often powerful and full-bodied, making them excellent accompaniments to regional cuisine.
Not to be forgotten is Franconia, known for its mineral Silvaner wines, which are offered in the characteristic Bockstaschen bottles. This region is characterized by its calcareous soils, which give the wines a special structure.
South Tyrol’s wine treasures
South Tyrol, an Italian region known for its picturesque landscapes and culinary delights, also offers an impressive variety of first-class wines. One of the highlights for wine lovers is undoubtedly the Eppan region, which is characterized by an ideal climate and excellent soil conditions. In the heart of this area, the Hotel Weinegg in Eppan, among others, invites you to discover the local wines in a stylish ambience.
The wines of South Tyrol are characterized by their unique combination of Alpine freshness and Mediterranean sun.
The white grape varieties such as Gewürztraminer and Pinot Grigio in particular achieve an expressiveness and aromatic clarity that sets them apart from other wine-growing regions. The Gewürztraminer, often considered the region’s flagship wine, impresses with its intense aroma of roses, lychee and cloves.
Fine wines from the South Tyrolean vineyards
In addition to the aromatic Gewürztraminer, Vernatsch is also a specialty of the region. This red wine, also known locally as Schiava, impresses with its lightness and fruity notes, which make it the perfect companion for the often light Italian cuisine.
Another highlight is Lagrein, an indigenous grape variety that produces deep, dark, powerful red wines. These wines are rich in tannins and offer aromas of dark berries and chocolate, making them excellent accompaniments to strong meat dishes.
In South Tyrol you can also find excellent examples of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, which benefit from the calcareous soils and cool climate. These wines are known for their tight structure, their minerality and their lively acidity, which make them excellent accompaniments to food.
Explore France’s vineyards
France’s reputation as a wine country is undisputed. With some of the world’s most renowned wine regions, every corner of this country offers something unique for wine connoisseurs. Bordeaux, probably the most famous wine region, produces some of the best red wines in the world.
The wines here, made primarily from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, are known for their depth, complexity and ageability.
Burgundy, on the other hand, is the home of the noble Pinot Noir and the aromatic Chardonnay. The wines from this region are highly valued for their fine structure and elegance. The wines from the Côte d’Or in particular are considered a benchmark for quality.
Diversity and uniqueness of French wines
In Champagne, the name bearer of the famous sparkling wine, champagnes are produced that are valued worldwide for their quality and their fine sparkling wine. The unique cool climate and the chalk soils give these wines their special freshness and liveliness.
Further south, in the Rhône Valley, powerful and spicy wines are made from varieties such as Syrah and Grenache. These wines are known for their robust structure and dark fruit flavors, which make them ideal with strong dishes.
In the Loire Valley, however, white grape varieties such as Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc dominate. The wines of this region are known for their freshness, lightness and fruity aroma, which makes them excellent summer wines.
Not to be forgotten are the wines from Alsace, which have a completely different taste. Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris are grown here and offer flavors that range from crisp and mineral to rich and aromatic.
The health benefits of a glass of wine
Consuming wine in moderation has long attracted scientific attention, and numerous studies have produced interesting results.
One of the most notable findings is that wine, especially red wine, may provide some health benefits.
Antioxidants and heart health
Red wine contains a variety of antioxidants, including polyphenols like resveratrol, which can help fight free radicals in the body and reduce inflammation. These compounds may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by protecting blood vessels and preventing blood clots from forming.
Improving cholesterol levels
Some studies suggest that regular consumption of red wine can improve blood cholesterol levels, particularly the so-called “good” HDL cholesterol.
The HDL cholesterol helps remove the “bad” LDL cholesterol from the arteries and can therefore reduce the risk of heart disease.
Protection against neurodegenerative diseases
Resveratrol, found in red wine, has also been linked to improved brain function and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This compound may help protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to the development of these diseases.
2024-04-30 23:59:31