Pairing Wine With German Food

When the topic of German food comes up, most people probably think of sausage, schnitzel, sauerkraut, and beer. Similarly, when people think of German wine, they immediately think of Riesling. While those are all German staples, and delicious, to be sure, they’re not the only things Germany has to offer. German food has evolved over the years to become rich and diverse, and it has far more to offer in the world of wine than just Riesling.

Best Red Wine To Pair With German Food

The best all-around reds are going to be light to medium bodied, like the suggestions below, but you may be able to choose something bolder, depending on the dish.

• Merlot: medium-bodied with moderately sweet flavor.
• Pinot Noir: always a popular choice: light, sweet red, high on aromatics.
• Beaujolais: also known as Gamay, light, low tannins.
• Tempranillo: medium-bodied with high tannins, similar to Merlot.

Best White Wine To Pair With German Food

German whites, with their balance of fruit, acidity and low alcohol pair well with a variety of dishes. In fact, German Riesling is considered the most food-friendly white wine in the world.

• Riesling: lightly sweet, crisp, and refreshingly acidic.
• Grüner Veltliner: Light, citrus-focused flavors of lime, lemon and grapefruit.
• Pinot Blanc: very light, and floral with notes of citrus and peach.
• Pinot Grigio: smooth, refreshing and not too complex.

Pairing Wine With Various German Dishes

Pairing Wine With Rinderroulade (Beef Roll)

This flavorful dish can definitely stand up to a medium-bodied red like Merlot or Tempranillo.

Pairing Wine With Schnitzel (Breaded Cutlet)

An acidic white will cut through the richness of the fried pork. A German Riesling or Gewürztraminer will pair nicely.

Pairing Wine With Braised Cabbage

The vinegar adds a tanginess to this traditional side dish. A mildly sweet Pinot Gris or Rosé will be a nice complement.

Pairing Wine With Hasenpfeffer (Rabbit Stew)

This hearty comfort meal deserves a wine that can hold its own. Try a Pinot Noir or Merlot.

Pairing Wine With Bratwurst, Knackwurst, Weisswurst or Currywurst

German sausages are delicious, juicy and fatty. A white with some acidity will be the perfect match; try a German Riesling, Chenin Blanc, or Grüner Veltliner.

Pairing Wine With Brezeln (Soft Pretzel)

A Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay will match well with the buttery, salty goodness of this treat.

Pairing Wine With Apfelkuchen (Apple Cake)

You will want to go sweet for sweet here. A sweet Riesling or Champagne will be the perfect pair to your dessert of apple cake.

Pairing Wine With Black Forest Cake

Chocolate cake loves a good red wine. A port or Zinfandel with cherry notes should be your go-to with this rich, delicious cake.

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Pairing Wine With Sausage