Forget everything you’ve heard about joyless German efficiency: German wines are some of the most jubilantly fruity bottles in the world. German Riesling has been prized worldwide for centuries, yet has never quite caught on in the U.S.: this no doubt due to Germany’s arcane system of wine classification. The most useful words to know and look for on German wine labels are “Kabinett,” which indicates an outstanding everyday wine, and “trocken,” which means “dry.” As far as dessert wines go, a half-bottle of German Eiswein is so potent that you'll be able to share it with at least half a dozen friends - unless you’re feeling greedy.

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