Germany
German wines have returned. After a period of dominance from cheap brands where they became somewhat unfashionable, they are now very much appreciated by wine cognoscenti, especially for their wonderful Rieslings (not all of which are sweet) which are extremely sensitive to the vagaries of terroir and climate.
Riesling's ability to evoke a sense of place has resulted in many thrilling single-vineyard wines that can rival grand crus from just about anywhere. A perennial favourite with sommeliers, these wines are known also for their versatility and ability to complement modern global cuisines. In addition to riesling, Germany is a significant producer of the pinot "family" - especially pinot noir (known as spatburgunder).