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Here is an overview of the major German varieties of red grapes.

German red wines are refreshing, often light, and show more fruit than tannins.
They are a specialty and usually consumed after ageing in bottle.

Spätburgunder

(Pinot noir) is the riesling’s red counterpart (7% of the total vineyard area), producing elegant, distinctive wines. Its small grapes ripen late. It originally came from the French province of Burgundy.

Wine: velvety, full-bodied, with hints of almonds.

Portugieser

Originally came from the Danube Valley in Austria (not Portugal). It ripens early (4%).

Wine: flavourful, light, mild; very pleasant, easy-going wine.

Trollinger

Grows almost exclusively in Württemberg (2%) and probably originated in Tyrol. It ripens very late.

Wine: fragrant, fresh, fruity, good acidity, hearty.

Related articles

As a complement you can read an overview of the white varietals in Germany or the article on the German wine regions.

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Here is an overview of the German varieties of white grapes.

Riesling

It is the finest and best known of Germany’s white varieties. Its small grapes ripen late - in October or November. This long, slow ripening period allows it to develop more aroma and a harmonious balance.
Wine: fragrant, fine-fruit bouquet; lively, pronounced acidity; piquant taste; potential for ageing because of racy acidity.

Müller-Thurgau

It is now the most widely planted grape in Germany (23% of total vineyard area). It is a crossing of two varieties, probably Riesling and Silvaner, developed in 1882 iin Geisenheim, Germany, by Prof. H. Müller from Thurgau, Switzerland. The grapes ripen early, usually in September.
Wine: flowery bouquet; milder acidity than Riesling; slight muscat flavour; best consumed while fresh and young.

Silvaner

It is a traditional variety. Its medium-sized, juicy grapes ripen somewhat earlier than Riesling.
Wine: neutral bouquet; mild acidity; full-bodied, pleasant wines; best enjoyed while young.

Kerner

It is a popular new cross, developed from Trollinger
(a red variety) and Riesling (a white variety). It has thick-skinned, early-ripening grapes.
Wine: light muscat bouquet; racy, lively acidity; similar to Riesling.

Scheurebe

It is another new crossing — this time of Silvaner and Riesling.
Wine: lively acidity; bouquet and taste reminiscent of black currents.

Ruländer

(Grauburgunder, pinot grigio, pinot gris) is
among the best varieties in Germany. It ripens at the same time as Silvaner.
Wine: robust, full-bodied, smooth, soft, and full on the palate.

Other varieties…

There are other white wine varieties in Germany that are just as interesting and which
you should try: the fruity, flowery Bacchus, the light, mild Gutedel, the racy, neutral Elbling, or the Morio-Muskat, with its flowery bouquet and pronounced flavour.

As a complement you can read the article on the German wine regions or an overview of the major German varieties of red grapes.