Wines of Germany

Happy New Year! If, like us, you’ve had one too many festive tipples this Christmas, then now is the time to take it easy. Many German wines are naturally lower in alcohol, and are therefore ideal if you still want to enjoy a glass without the unpleasant side effects the next day!

BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen wine expert Olly Smith recommends the Rieslings of the Mosel, Rheingau and Pfalz for ‘gentler’ sipping. With crisp apple and citrus flavours these wines are also the perfect food match for light fish and veggie dishes.

Try Dr L Riesling from the steep vineyards of the Mosel valley, available from Tesco Wine by the Case for less than £7 per bottle. At 8.5% alcohol, this wine is refreshing and is just right after December’s excesses. If you need a treat, push the boat out a little with Dr Bassermann-Jordan Riesling 2009. Medium dry and vibrant, this Riesling is available from Waitose Wine Direct for £9.49. Alternatively, try the aromatic and crisp Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling – a bargain at just £5.99 from Majestic.