A Return to Germany

Late last year, we debuted our first-ever Germany-only list, and today we’re excited to present our second. It’s amazing how trends and markets change over time in the wine world, and as we’ve been saying, Germany knows this better than anywhere. Their national QPR (quality-price ratio) has been the highest in the world for—maybe ever?—with even superstars commanding tiny prices relative similar quality bottles from Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Napa Valley. But the world has been catching on, and prices have begun to climb, likely permanently. Now factor in the extraordinary (if hard-won) 2021 vintage, with its classic character and limited supply, and we don’t see Germany’s upward trend slowing. So we’re here to help you stock your cellars with these world class wines at great prices—while you still can.

Beyond great vintages producing wines of unparalleled character, Germany has a longstanding history of innovation. Its winemakers are deeply passionate, pairing traditional farming practices with pushing the boundaries of winemaking, and to great success. The Grosses Gewächs classification isn’t even two decades old yet, and producers like Keller and Schäfer-Fröhlich have used it to revolutionize what dry wines (especially Riesling) can achieve. And given the dramatically increasing pricing in Burgundy, it’s not just refreshing to find a transcendent bottle of white for under $100—for many people, it keeps wine collecting affordable. Fortunately, we have top wines as well as ridiculous values from both producers today. And they’ve paved the way for rising stars like Seehof and Von Winning, both of whom make highly expressive wines from incredible vineyards, and at relatively tiny price tags.

Not to be outshined by the “dry” producers, we also have an enviable selection of off-dry Rieslings as well, from icons like Egon Müller (there he is again!) and J.J. Prüm. One sign of a stellar German vintage, such as 2021, is the remarkable quality of the Kabinett level wines—and we have both bottles and mags of Prüm’s greatest achievement in the vintage. And just as Keller and Schäfer-Fröhlich led the way for newcomers like Seehof and Von Winning, so too did Prüm for Peter Lauer—a name you no doubt have heard before. He’s taken the off-dry world by storm, and if you’re not familiar with his wines, watch out: buy a couple and he might take your cellar by storm too!