Sachsen [ZAHKH-zuhn]

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The smallest of Germany’s thirteen ANBAUGEBIETE (quality-wine regions), with about 1,000 acres of vineyards. Its vineyards are situated around the Elbe River area in eastern Germany; Dresden is the region’s main city. The primary variety planted in this region is MÜLLER-THURGAU, which has 38 percent of the total acreage. Traminer (GEWÜRZTRAMINER) and Weissburgunder (PINOT BLANC) follow, each with about 15 percent of the acreage. Other varieties include Gutedel (CHASSELAS), RIESLING, and PORTUGIESER. Like SAALEUNSTRUT, the Sachsen region was part of the former East Germany, which means its area producers are still in the process of working out from under the problems left by the former communist regime. The true potential quality of this region’s wines won’t be known for several more years as vineyards and winemaking facilities are upgraded.