Pfalz Wines, Germany

Pfalz is the second largest wine producing area of Germany. It's located between the Haardt Mountains (The Vosges) and the Rhine plain, with a warmer climate than many other German regions. The best vineyards are in the Mittelhaardt region located in the northern part. Südliche Weinstrasse to the south has recently had some younger winemakers seek to improve the reputation of the region as well. Instead of focusing on high volume, which the region was once best known for, they are showing some real potential with Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris) and Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc).

Because it is generally warmer here, the wines are richer and fuller in style, showing similarity to the whites of Alsace. Besides some good examples of Pinot Noir, the true potential for reds is really yet to be explored with Dornfelder the most common red wine you'll find.