Germany boasts of a history and prominence in winemaking that is akin to any other. With vineyards dating back to Roman times, the South-Western Rhineland offers more than just effable Rieslings and sweet whites. Demand for darker-skinned grapes and richly-textured red wines have bolstered production in recent years. Red varieties now represent almost half of the country’s total plantations, giving way to elegant interpretations of Pinot Noir and eclectic regional blends.