2014 Wittmann Spätburgunder Rotwein Trocken #10

Rheinhessen is Germany’s largest “anbaugebiete,” or “quality wine region.” With 65,000 vineyard acres located along the Rhine, it is in the center of Germany’s wine industry. And, for many years, the region was known primarily for producing large amounts of bulk wine blends. In recent years, however, it has become one of the most exciting wine producing areas in Germany, thanks in large part to an energetic group of young, talented, worldly winemakers who have shaken up the region with a return to traditional, rather than industrial, winemaking methods and an emphasis on quality. The dominant grape in Rheinhessen is Muller-Thurgau, followed by Riesling, Sylvaner, Scheurebe, and several others.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.