The annual preview of the latest VDP Grosses Gewachs (GGs) in Wiesbaden is widely considered the best and most comprehensive dry Riesling tasting in the world. 

Invitations are scarce and attendees hand-picked to ensure that the Kurhaus Kolonnade is for three days a year filled with the world’s leading German wine experts. Justerini & Brooks was privileged to be invited this year to join for an in-depth look at the latest releases from all over Germany.

With impeccable organisation, the tasting is conducted in perfect conditions. Approximately 500 wines are submitted for tasting, comprising all the major German grape varieties, meticulously arranged in flights organised by region, village and individual vineyards. Over the three days, I focused on 2016 GG Rieslings from the Nahe, Rheinhessen and Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, as well as the latest 2015 Spatburgunders from the Rheingau, Baden and Pfalz.