Friday, January 30, 2026

Tasting Weissburgunder/ Pinot Blanc from Germany, the #1 Producer of Pinot Blanc in the World (February 2026)

   

Germany has been known mostly for its Rieslings. Yes, Riesling is the #1 grape produced in Germany and Germany is also the #1 producer of Riesling world-wide (40% of the global Riesling production is in Germany). However, because of Germany’s very different wine regions ranging from 48.5° latitude to 51° latitude, the Pinot grapes also discovered perfect growing conditions and feel very comfortable in Germany. The monks from Burgundy brought Pinot grapes to Germany as early as the 12th century (and this origin is reflected in the “Burgunder” part of each grape’s German name). Today Germany is the #1 producer of Pinot-Blanc (Weissburgunder), #2 producer of Pinot-Gris (Grauburgunder), and #3 producer of Pinot-Noir (Spätburgunder) world-wide.
 
 
I had 2 German Pinot Blancs, an entry-level Pinot Blanc from the Mosel and an high-end (GG) Pinot Blanc from the Pfalz, both from outstanding producers, Weingut Selbach-Oster and Weingut Oekonomierat Rebholz. The former sells at US$25 and the latter at US$145 in the American market currently. 
 
Pinot Blanc Globally
 
Germany is by far the largest Pinot Blanc producer in the world, followed by Italy, here mainly Alto Adige. 
 
5915 hectares Germany
2770 hectares Italy
1861 hectares Austria
1522 hectares Russia
1346 hectares France 
 
Weissburgunder/ Pinot Blanc 
 
In Germany Pinot Blanc is officially known as
Weissburgunder, which translates to "White Burgundian". It is a significant and widely planted grape variety in the country, currently ranking as Germany's 4th most widely planted white variety. 
 
It thrives in the warmer, more southerly regions, with the primary cultivation areas being: Baden: Known for producing bold, muscular wines. Rheinhessen: Produces pristine, fragrant expressions of the grape. Pfalz: Home to many acclaimed producers who grow the grape on prized limestone vineyards.
 
Flavor Profile: German Pinot Blanc is typically produced as a dry, light, and crisp wine with fresh acidity and a light to medium body. It features subtle aromas and delicate notes of: Orchard and stone fruits (pear, quince) and Feur de Sel and blanched almond. 
 
Versatility: Winemakers use the grape to produce a range of styles, from light, crisp wines to full-bodied versions, sparkling wines (Sekt), and even dessert wines. It can be vinified in stainless steel to maintain freshness or aged in oak for more complexity.

2022 Weingut Selbach-Oster, Weissburgunder, trocken, Mosel

The wine sells for around US$25 in the USA. 



Animating, elegant Pinot Blanc from the Selbach-Oster winery, the fine slate minerality suits it well as a Mosel Pinot Blanc. Juicy on the nose, yellow fruits like apples, pears and quince. Dry on the palate, with a touch of oak due to partial fermentation in two-year-old Fuder barrels and stainless steel.

Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut Selbach-Oster in Zeltingen, Mosel, with Johannes Selbach – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)
 
 
Picture: Wine Tasting at Weingut Selbach-Oster in Zeltingen, Mosel, with Johannes Selbach. See: 
Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut Selbach-Oster in Zeltingen, Mosel, with Johannes Selbach – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)
 
2023 Weingut Oekonomierat Rebholz, Im Sonnenschein, GG, Pinot Blanc, Dry, Pfalz 
 
The wine is available for US$ 145 on wine.com. 
 

James Suckling/ Stuart Pigott: Very cool and bright for such a concentrated dry pinot blanc from this rather warm region. Captivating aromas of fresh nuts, ripe pears and candied citrus. Fabulous combination of creaminess and precision on the medium- to full-bodied palate. Super-long chalky finish that’s self-confidently dry (one of this producer’s hallmarks). 

After-party (Following a Formal Tasting with Hans Rebholz, Weingut Oekonomierat Rebholz at the German Embassy in Washington DC) with Hans Rebholz at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA (January  

 
Picture: After-party (Following a Formal Tasting with Hans Rebholz, Weingut Oekonomierat Rebholz at the German Embassy in Washington DC) with Hans Rebholz at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA (January 2025) 

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Summary: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023 

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