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GERMANY<br />
IMPORTERS<br />
POURING RED WINE FROM THE TANK AT EINIG-ZENZEN<br />
this. “This is a relatively new development, which is<br />
mainly due to tourism [once again]. South Africa has<br />
become very fashionable as a new travel destination,”<br />
explains Zenzen. “There’s no time difference, there<br />
are opposite seasons, still relatively cheap prices<br />
locally, and the country is very attractive both scenically<br />
and culturally.” So it makes sense to extend this<br />
vacation feeling at home - with a bottle of Chenin,<br />
Sauvignon Blanc or Viognier from South Africa.<br />
So what does the future hold for imported wines<br />
in Germany? Thierry Fontannaz notes that the soft<br />
and slightly sweet red wines are doing particularly<br />
well with young customers. “The older generation,<br />
which socialized in the 1980s and 1990s with dry<br />
wines from France and Tuscany as food companions<br />
is having a much harder time with the new<br />
bestsellers.” This could be supported by the fact that<br />
the younger generation grew up with sugary drinks<br />
such as cola or Red Bull, and with added sugar in<br />
food. Fruity wines make the transition easier. “Incidentally,”<br />
adds Fontannaz, “I don’t believe that this<br />
generation will suddenly change its tastes in the<br />
course of its wine journey. That wasn’t the case with<br />
the older generation of dry wine drinkers either.”<br />
Additionally, Fontannaz observes the fruit-driven<br />
trend for wine practically worldwide, and Germany<br />
is no exception. “I sell soft red wines very well in<br />
Scandinavia and even in France or Portugal, countries<br />
that actually produce a completely different<br />
type of wine.” Is a global harmonisation of taste in<br />
motion? It’s quite possible.<br />
EINIG-ZENZEN OWNERS PETER-JOSEF AND REGINA ZENZEN<br />
PERSONAL CHOICES<br />
Finally, there is the question of which wines the<br />
producers prefer themselves. Gerhard Brauer,<br />
chairman of the Ruppertsberg winegrowers, likes<br />
red Côtes du Rhône. “The blend of Grenache and<br />
Syrah is unique. It produces a juicy, fruity palate, but<br />
also a compact structure with plenty of complexity<br />
and depth. It’s perfect for cold winter days,” claims<br />
the winemaker. Aleksandra Frank, Technical<br />
Director at the Studier winery, a member of the<br />
younger generation, takes the same classic approach<br />
to wine. “I admire a large number of wines from<br />
56 SPRING 2024 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE
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