German Red Grape Varieties: An Overview of the Most Important Red Wine Grapes

Over 100 grape varieties are grown in Germany, about 35 of which are red. The most important German red wine grape varieties are Pinot Noir, Dornfelder, Portugieser, Lemberger, Trollinger, Pinot Meunier, and Regent. Pinot Noir is the most significant German red variety with around 37 percent of the red cultivation area.

Germany is considered a white wine country. That is true, but only half the story. About 31 percent of German vineyards are planted with red grape varieties, and the quality of these red wines has improved significantly in recent decades. Those who know the most important German red varieties understand why German red wines are gaining more and more international attention. This list provides a complete overview.

German red wine grape varieties: numbers, areas, and development

According to the German Wine Institute, out of around 105,000 hectares of vineyard area in Germany, about 32,000 hectares are planted with red grape varieties, corresponding to a share of around 31 percent. In the 1980s, this share was significantly lower. Climate change has improved conditions for red wine cultivation in Germany: warmer summers and milder autumns enable better ripening conditions, especially for Pinot Noir and Lemberger. The list of German grape varieties includes over 140 varieties in total, but only about two dozen have real market significance.

The following table shows the seven most important red grape varieties in Germany by cultivation area, main region, and typical flavor profile based on data from the German Wine Institute (2022/2023).

Pinot Noir and Dornfelder dominate the German red varieties by a clear margin. Trollinger, Lemberger, and Pinot Meunier are almost exclusively native to Württemberg, while Portugieser and Regent mainly grow in Rheinhessen and the Palatinate.

The 7 most important German red wine grape varieties in profile

German red wines differ significantly in character, body, and use. From the elegant, age-worthy Spätburgunder to the light, everyday Trollinger, the German red grape varieties list almost every flavor profile. The following profiles provide a quick and practical overview.

Spätburgunder – Germany’s elegant king of reds

Spätburgunder is the most important German red wine grape variety and is known worldwide as Pinot Noir. With around 11,800 hectares under cultivation, it accounts for over a third of Germany's total red vineyard area. The grape originally comes from Burgundy in France but has established itself as a top variety especially in the Ahr, Baden, and Kaiserstuhl regions. Spätburgunder wines show fine tannins, lively acidity, and aromas of sour cherry, strawberry, and with age, mushrooms, undergrowth, and spices. Good vintages can age for ten to twenty years.

Dornfelder – fruity, robust, typically German

Dornfelder is a relatively young grape variety: the German agricultural engineer August Herold crossed it in 1955 at the Weinsberg viticulture school from Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe. Nevertheless, Dornfelder is today the second most important German red grape variety with around 8,000 hectares. The strengths of this variety lie in its intense, almost black-red color and fruity taste of sour cherry, blackberry, and sometimes chocolate or licorice. When aged in barrique, Dornfelder develops additional depth and structure.

Lemberger – the underrated Württemberg grape

Lemberger, known as Blaufränkisch in Austria and Eastern Europe, is Württemberg's flagship variety and one of the most characterful German red grape varieties. With around 2,200 hectares under cultivation, it is smaller in area than Spätburgunder or Dornfelder but of the highest quality. Typical for Lemberger are aromas of plum, blackberry, pepper, and dark chocolate, combined with a strong tannin structure and good acidity. Well-crafted Lemberger from top Württemberg winemakers are internationally acclaimed.

Trollinger – light, fresh, Swabian

Trollinger is as closely associated with Württemberg as hardly any other German grape variety with its region. Almost the entire cultivation area of this red German variety is in Württemberg, where it grows on about one-fifth of the total vineyard area. It is also known as Vernatsch in South Tyrol. The name probably derives from "Tirolinger." Trollinger wines are light, fresh, and uncomplicated, with aromas of sour cherry, rose hip, and raspberry. They are ideal for Swabian everyday dishes or a summer barbecue.

Schwarzriesling – quiet strength from Württemberg

Schwarzriesling, known in France as Pinot Meunier, is a mutation of the Pinot family and thus belongs to the Burgundy family. It has been cultivated in Württemberg for centuries. The wines are light to medium-bodied with fine aromas of red berries and a pleasant freshness. In Champagne, Pinot Meunier is an indispensable blending partner, giving this German red variety an interesting international connection.

Portugieser – the accessible everyday red wine

Despite its name, Portugieser belongs to the old German red grape varieties and originally comes from Lower Styria, not Portugal. With around 4,500 hectares, it ranks third on the German grape variety list. Its strength lies in its accessibility: Portugieser wines are light, mild, and fruity, with a light color and very low tannin content. Portugieser grapes are also often used to produce Weißherbst (rosé).

Regent – the fungus-resistant new breed

Regent is a PIWI grape variety, meaning it is fungus-resistant and requires significantly fewer pesticides than classic Vitis vinifera varieties. This makes it particularly attractive for organic viticulture. With around 2,000 hectares of cultivation area, this red German variety is gaining importance especially in Rheinhessen and Franconia. In terms of taste, Regent shows dark berry aromas, a medium tannin structure, and a spicy character.

The following table summarizes the most important red varieties in direct comparison and helps with purchasing decisions.

For beginners, Dornfelder, Portugieser, and Trollinger offer the best introduction. Those seeking depth and aging potential will find Spätburgunder and Lemberger the right choice. Regent is the first choice for organic wine lovers.

German red wine grape varieties by growing region

German red grape varieties are distributed very differently regionally. Not every variety thrives everywhere, and many varieties are inseparably linked to their region of origin. To understand German red wine grape varieties, you also need to know where they grow.

Ahr – the northernmost red wine terroir

The Ahr is the northernmost red wine region in Germany and despite its small size of around 560 hectares, one of the country’s most renowned red wine regions. The steep slate slopes along the Ahr valley offer ideal conditions for Spätburgunder, which accounts for almost two-thirds of the vineyard area here. Ahr Spätburgunder are among the most expensive and sought-after German red wines.

Baden – warmest growing region, home of Kaiserstuhl Spätburgunder

Baden is the warmest wine-growing region in Germany and lies in the EU wine-growing zone B, at the same latitude as Burgundy and Champagne. Especially at Kaiserstuhl, powerful, mineral-rich Spätburgunder of international standing are produced. Characterful wines from this German red grape variety can also be found in Ortenau and on Lake Constance.

Württemberg – Trollinger, Lemberger, and Schwarzriesling

Württemberg is Germany’s quintessential red wine region. With over 65 percent red grape area, it is the most red wine–focused of all German wine regions. Trollinger, Lemberger, and Schwarzriesling are the region’s signature varieties. Especially Lemberger has experienced a significant quality boost in recent years thanks to a new generation of dedicated winemakers.

Palatinate and Rheinhessen – Dornfelder heart of Germany

The Palatinate is the largest red wine region in Germany by volume. Dornfelder and Spätburgunder dominate here, complemented by Portugieser and international varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Those who want to explore the diversity of German red wine grape varieties Those who want to experience it in the bottle will find handpicked red wines from German and international vineyards at Piemont Express.

Frequently asked questions about German red grape varieties

German red grape varieties often raise the same questions among wine lovers. Here are the most important answers summarized concisely.

Which is the most important German red wine grape variety?

Spätburgunder is the most important German red grape variety with around 11,800 hectares and about 37 percent of the red vineyard area.

What is the difference between Lemberger and Blaufränkisch?

It is the same grape variety under two different names. In Württemberg it is called Lemberger, in Austria and other countries Blaufränkisch or Kékfrankos. The wines are strong, spicy, and age-worthy.

Is Dornfelder a good red wine grape variety?

Yes, especially if yields are limited and the wine is aged in barrique. Dornfelder from good wineries in the Palatinate impress with deep color, fruit, and structure.

Which German red grape varieties are suitable for beginners?

Portugieser, Trollinger, and fruity Dornfelder are ideal. They have low tannin, are approachable in taste, and generally moderate in price.

How long can German red wines be stored?

Trollinger and Portugieser should be consumed within one to three years. Dornfelder lasts three to five years. Spätburgunder and Lemberger from good sites can age for ten to twenty years or longer.

What does PIWI mean on the German grape variety list?

PIWI stands for fungus-resistant grape varieties. Varieties like Regent require significantly fewer pesticides and are especially suitable for organic viticulture in Germany.

Which German red wine grape varieties grow in Württemberg?

Württemberg is the stronghold of German red grape varieties. Trollinger, Lemberger, and Schwarzriesling dominate, complemented by Spätburgunder. Over 65 percent of Württemberg’s vineyard area is planted with red varieties.

Conclusion

German red grape varieties offer more diversity than many expect. From the elegant finesse of Spätburgunder to the powerful spice of Lemberger, from the light freshness of Trollinger to the fruity depth of Dornfelder: there is a suitable German grape variety for every red wine style. Knowing this list will help you make better decisions on your next wine purchase.

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