German, Italian, Portuguese, and Hungarian Wines: A Tasting Journey

Germany: Most regions have a cool continental climate, with the best vineyards located on the slopes in the river valleys. Sweet winemaking is very important in Germany. There are 13 regions for quality wine in Germany, with Mosel being the most important. Mosel comprises the valley of the Mosel River. The Riesling variety dominates production, and it is a region with important history, geography, and geology. The grape variety Riesling is the most planted grape in Germany. It has high levels of acidity and normally produces wines with low alcohol and high acidity, ranging from dry to sweet. When young, the aroma is a little plain, but it becomes more intense and complex with age.

We also have Eiswein (ice wine): made from grapes that have been left on the vine until the weather is cold enough to freeze them. When the grapes are pressed in the winery, the frozen water remains in the press, resulting in a very concentrated must. It is one of the sweetest wines in the world.

Italy: Italy has a Mediterranean and Alpine influence, with 20 wine regions. Northern Italy has a cool climate, high acidity, and tart fruit flavors. Central Italy has a warm climate, medium/high acidity, and ripe fruit flavors, while South Italy has a hot climate, medium acidity, and sweet fruit flavors. The most important regions in terms of volume are Sicily, Puglia, and Veneto, and in terms of quality are Piedmont, Tuscany, and Veneto. Terms found on an Italian label include Classico, Superiore (higher alcohol), Riserva (longer aging period), and Passito (sweet wine from both white and red grapes). Piedmont, located in the northwest of Italy, is renowned for its DOCG Barolo, which is one of the world's greatest wines: pale in color, with high acidity and high tannins. Asti is a sparkling wine made from the Muscat variety. Veneto is the most important producer region in Italy, with Valpolicella being the most important DOC, and Lambrusco being a red sparkling wine.

Prosecco is a sparkling wine mainly made by the tank method, using the Glera white variety.

Sangiovese is Italy’s most planted variety (Tuscany), with high acidity, moderate color, and high tannins. Chianti is Italy’s most exported wine.

Portugal has a diversity of climates, with most regions having a maritime climate, featuring warm summers and cool winters. It is famous for its fortified wines (Port and Madeira).

Vinho Verde DOC is from the Minho region, straw-colored, slightly effervescent, light-bodied, and high in acidity. Douro DOC is full-bodied, with firm tannins, and medium acidity.

Hungary has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. It has 22 wine regions. Tokaji is a sweet wine made from the Furmint variety (white).