In February, the German Wine Institute (DWI) invited 15 experts from 15 different countries to select “Germany’s Best Rosé wines and Sparkling wines 2020” from a total of approximately 200 entries. On the March 23rd the winners were honoured by DWI managing director, Monika Reule, via video message.

In the sparkling wine category, the judges selected the 2017 Pinot Noir Rosé Brut from the Wine and Sekt Estate Wilhelmshof in Siebeldingen, Pfalz. Second place went to the Pinot Noir Rosé Brut from the Eymann winery in Gönnheim, Pfalz, followed by the 2015 Le Grand Rosé Extra Brut from the Schloss Sommerhausen wine estate in the Franconian town of Sommerhausen.

Amongst the rosé wine producers, the Braunewell-Dinter team from Essenheim in Rheinhessen, was awarded the best rosé for their wine “der Rosé“. In second place was the 2018 Rosé Fumé from Weingut Dr. Heger in Ihringen, Baden. Third place went to the Johanninger wine estate in Biebelsheim, Rhinehessen for its Spätburgunder & Frühburgunder Rosé from the Kreuznacher Junker vineyard.

The international judges were pleasantly surprised by the quality and stylistic diversity of the German rosés. “We set out to surprise with our Rosé focus this year,” explained DWI Managing Director Monika Reule. “Many experts, especially abroad, are not yet aware of how much the style of German rosé wines has changed in recent years. Today they are much more fruit driven, full of character and are commonly found in the premium sector. They are also excellent menu accompaniments and no longer perceived purely as summer wines,” says Reule.

Simon Field MW represented the UK as a judge for the competition and reported on German rosé wines in a recent article for The Buyer, noting how the style is striving for its own identity.

In addition to the three winning rosé wines and sparkling wines, the jury selected the following rosés from the top 20: