German Wine the B Sides - Beyond Riesling with Gill Sykes

Think you know German wine? There's more to discover beyond Riesling. Germany produces some of the world's most distinctive white and red wines, with a remarkable diversity of grape varieties, growing regions and winemaking traditions. While Riesling has long dominated the international conversation, varieties such as Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Gutedel (Chasselas) and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) offer an equally fascinating introduction to contemporary German viticulture. Join Gill Sykes, Certified German Wine Scholar, at Cardwell Cellars for a two-hour masterclass exploring grape varieties cultivated in Germany. Through a guided tasting of six premium German wines, we'll examine the growing importance of Burgundy varieties in Germany, the distinctive character of Gutedel from Baden, and the country's emergence as one of the world's most compelling sources of Pinot Noir. From the limestone vineyards of the Pfalz to the diverse geological landscapes of Baden, we'll consider how regional conditions, viticultural traditions and contemporary winemaking have contributed to Germany's increasingly diverse wine culture. Gill will also introduce the German wine classification system, explore the terminology found on German wine labels, and discuss the producers and developments influencing the country's modern wine industry. Whether you're already an admirer of German wine or are curious to explore beyond Riesling, this masterclass offers an opportunity to discover some of the country's most interesting and underappreciated wines.