Overview
Württemberg is Germany's second-largest red wine region, with vineyards lining the sheltered valleys of the Neckar River and its tributaries between Stuttgart and Heilbronn. Protected from cold winds by the Black Forest and Swabian Jura, the region enjoys a mild, warm climate with long summers that ripen red grapes reliably. Roughly two-thirds of plantings are red varieties, making Württemberg a striking exception in a country often associated with white wine.
Trollinger, known as the Swabian national drink, produces light, juicy, cherry-scented reds for everyday enjoyment. Lemberger, also called Blaufränkisch, gives more structured, deeply colored wines with blackberry and spice. Riesling is the leading white grape, while Schwarzriesling and Spätburgunder add further diversity. Stuttgart itself is Germany's largest wine city, with more than 400 hectares of vineyards within its boundaries.
Key Varietals
- TrollingerThe signature light red, yielding fresh, strawberry-scented wines that are the region's everyday favorite.
- LembergerA dark, spicy red with good tannins and aging potential, Württemberg's rising premium variety.
- RieslingThe top white grape, producing dry, racy wines with citrus and mineral character.
- SchwarzrieslingAlso known as Pinot Meunier, a fruity red often used in blends and local rosés.