Brits say ‘sehr gut!’ to German Pinot

Sales of German Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris have sky-rocketed in the UK over the last 12 months, leading to a renewed effort to promote the trio in Britain this year.

A German vineyard growing Pinot Noir, or Spätburgunder, grapes (Photo: Wiki)

Sales of German Pinot Noir have grown by 169% over the last twelve months, according to Neilsen figures, as the variety has become more widely available in large and independent retailers.

German Pinot Noirs, also known as Spätburgunders, now have major listings in Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Oddbins and Laithwaite’s, helping to contribute to the sales boom.

However, the standout variety is German Pinot Blanc, which has increased in sales by 1,160% in just one year. Meanwhile, German Pinot Gris is up by 18%.

Although the growth is from a small base, “British consumers are just starting to discover the excellent qualities of these German wines,” according to trade body Wines of Germany.

Although Riesling has been the main driver of growth for German Wines in the UK, the boom in Pinot sales has come as a welcome surprise to the country’s wine industry.

Nicky Forrest, of Wines of Germany UK, said: “Riesling will always be a key part of our comms strategy but it’s so exciting to see growth from other grape varieties too. I think that the Pinot varieties have a real opportunity to act as a stepping stone into the category.

“What we are seeing in Germany now is an enormous amount of dynamism and diversification, especially from the young growers who are now producing a whole range of modern, dry wine styles.”

Germany is the currently the world’s largest producer of Pinot Blanc, the second largest producer of Pinot Gris, and the third largest producer of Pinot Noir.

On further promoting German Pinot in 2016, Mrs Forrest says: “This year’s campaign will highlight the sheer diversity German wine has to offer and we’re looking forward to an epic programme over the coming months.”