Other factors that contribute to the unique character of German wines, such as soil structure and climate, simply cannot be relocated. There are about 100,000 grape growers in Germany, yet only about one fourth as many wine producers. Grower, producer, and bottler are not always the same person. Wine is an agricultural product and consequently very dependent on the weather which in Germany, unlike more southerly climates, can be extremely variable. Although different vintages may exhibit subtle differences in taste and style, the German classification system, based on ripeness, assures the consumer of the quality of each bottle, regardless of the vintage.
German wines are the world's most versatile wines.
They match excellently with most foods, equally at home with the finest culinary creations and with simple, everyday foods. Because they are lower in alcohol, crisp and fruity, German wines are excellent sipping wines, while one is relaxing with friends, music or a good book. And the Auslese wines, rich, luxurious and sweet, are incomparable as dessert wines, served before or with dessert. Due to the range of available types, German wines are exceptionally satisfying with a wide array of foods and are appropriate throughout the meal. Indeed, one can safely say that there is an appropriate German wine for almost every dish and every occasion.