Your Guide to Germanic Wines - This Month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club

Welcome to this month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club, the UK's most exciting wine subscription for the curious drinker. Each month, we will introduce you to a new wine region as part of our promise to deliver no two wines the same for a whole year. Not a member yet? Subscribe here.

Looking for an older guide? See all the Explorer's Club guides here.

What's in this month's Explorer's Club?

This month, we’re heading to the heart of Europe for our Explorer case, focusing on the rich heritage and precision of Germanic wines. From the rolling vineyards of Germany to Austria’s hidden gems, with a little taste of Switzerland thrown in too, we’ve curated a selection that showcases the depth, diversity, and sheer quality of wines from these regions.

Germany may be renowned for its world-class Rieslings, but there’s much more to explore! We are going show you some exciting surprises that break the mold from less familiar wine regions.

This Grüner Veltliner perfectly captures the vibrancy and freshness the grape is known for, with inviting aromas of green apple, white pepper, and a hint of citrus blossom – exactly how a good Gruner should be. On the palate, it offers crisp acidity balanced by flavours of pear, lemon zest, and a delicate minerality.

An ideal pairing for light seafood dishes, fresh salads, or classic Austrian cuisine like schnitzel, this versatile white wine is a perfect choice for those who love elegant, food-friendly wines. Walter Glatzer’s Grüner Veltliner is a brilliant example of Austria’s flagship grape and a true testament to the winery’s dedication to excellence.

From the sun-drenched vineyards of Carnuntum, Hanna Glatzer – yes, Walters’ daughter, presents a lively and refreshing Welschriesling that highlights the often-overlooked charm of this varietal. Known for its crisp acidity and bright, uncomplicated character, Welschriesling is getting its time to shine, and Hanna’s expression of it is nothing short of delightful. She is true believer of preserving the quality of fruit in the vineyard so takes a ‘hands-off’ approach to winemaking giving us a low intervention, vegan friendly, and clean wine.

This wine opens with crisp aromas of green apple, citrus zest, and a whisper of fresh meadow flowers. On the palate, it’s light and refreshing, with flavours of tart pear and a clean, mineral-driven finish. Vivid and zesty, it’s a true thirst-quencher that excels on warm days or as a versatile pairing for food.

Ideal alongside fresh seafood, antipasti, or even spicy Asian dishes, this Welschriesling is a fantastic pick for those in search of something approachable, lively, and full of zest. Hanna Glatzer brings a new energy to this classic grape, creating a wine that's both elegant and endlessly drinkable.

Hailing from the picturesque slopes of Switzerland’s Vaud region, Cave de la Côte delivers a classic example of Chasselas, a grape that has long been cherished in Swiss winemaking. Known for its delicate, subtle character, Chasselas thrives in this cool, Alpine-influenced climate, producing wines that are light, crisp, and incredibly easy to enjoy.

This Chasselas greets you with soft floral aromas of white blossom, fresh herbs, and a hint of citrus. On the palate, it’s refreshingly smooth, offering notes of green apple, pear, and a gentle minerality that reflects the terroir of Switzerland’s lakeside vineyards. With its clean, understated elegance, this wine is perfect for those who appreciate finesse over boldness.

An ideal companion for fondue, raclette, or light fish dishes, Cave de la Côte’s Chasselas is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the subtle charm of Swiss wine. Light, refreshing, and incredibly versatile, it’s a wine that invites you to savour each sip.

From the renowned Cave de la Côte in Switzerland’s Vaud region, this Pinot Noir showcases the elegance and finesse that cool-climate winemaking can bring to this classic variety. Grown on the slopes overlooking Lake Geneva, the vineyard’s unique terroir imparts a refreshing vibrancy to this Swiss expression of Pinot Noir.

This wine opens with delicate aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and subtle earthy notes. On the palate, it’s light and smooth, with flavors of wild berries, a touch of spice, and soft tannins that lead to a clean, refined finish. True to the varietal, it offers an understated complexity and a lovely balance of fruit and freshness.

A versatile choice, this Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, mushroom dishes, or a simple charcuterie board. Cave de la Côte has crafted a Pinot that is light yet full of character, ideal for those seeking a refined red that’s perfect for both casual and special occasions.

From the heart of Carnuntum, Austria, Walter Glatzer brings us a beautiful expression of St. Laurent, a grape often described as Austria’s answer to Pinot Noir. Known for its deep colour and vibrant aromatics, this red wine has become a standout in Glatzer’s portfolio, showcasing the grape’s elegance and complexity.

With enticing aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, and hints of spice, this St. Laurent is silky on the palate, offering layers of dark fruit, subtle earthy tones, and a touch of smokiness. The wine is medium-bodied with velvety tannins, delivering a smooth, well-rounded finish that lingers with notes of blackberries and sweet herbs.

Ideal for pairing with grilled meats, roasted game, or earthy mushroom dishes, this St. Laurent is both versatile and full of personality. Walter Glatzer has crafted a wine that perfectly balances fruit-forward intensity with Old World charm, making it a must-try for red wine lovers looking to explore Austria’s native varieties.

From the lesser represented Pfalz region of Germany, Oliver Zeter delivers a bold and beautifully structured Cabernet Franc that highlights the potential of this grape in cooler climates. Known for his passion and creativity, Oliver Zeter has crafted a Cabernet Franc that is both expressive and refined, showcasing the lively personality of this varietal.

On the nose, this wine reveals aromatic layers of dark cherry, blackberry, and a touch of green pepper, a hallmark of Cabernet Franc. The palate follows through with juicy black fruits, subtle tobacco notes, and a hint of graphite, all wrapped in smooth, finely woven tannins. Its bright acidity provides a refreshing lift, while the long, elegant finish leaves a lasting impression.

This Cabernet Franc pairs wonderfully with roasted lamb, grilled vegetables, or a hearty pasta dish. Oliver Zeter has managed to capture both the finesse and depth of this often underappreciated grape, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to explore a more structured yet approachable red wine from Germany.