Consumers uncorking more German Riesling than ever

In spite of the fact that Germany produces two thirds of the world’s Riesling, the country can’t make enough to meet consumer demand. In fact there’s even concern that British Riesling lovers – as the biggest drinkers of the stuff – may have to fight for their share in the future as the US is also clamouring to get hold of the bottles.

In the UK German wine sales generally have increased by nearly 7 per cent since last year by value, with a trend for drinkers to be trading up. Volume sales of wines over £5 have risen 22 per cent over the past two years, with particularly strong growth in the £6-7 slot, where sales have jumped over 120 per cent. This compares to sales in the US that are up over 27 per cent by value and nearly 16 per cent by volume. And, globally, demand for premium wine has reached a record level.

Nigel Blundell of Awin Barrett Siegel Wine Agencies, UK agents for a number of top German estates, said, ‘Sales of Loosen’s Dr L Riesling in Sainsbury’s have been climbing steadily over the past few years, and it will soon go on shelf at Tesco. We’ve also agreed the first-ever multiple retail listing for Donnhoff in Waitrose. These high-end wines are never price promoted and the new listings prove that there is a growing demand for German Riesling, particularly amongst the younger generation who are just discovering German wine.’