Trollinger: A Good German Wine?

By Monkeys And Mountains Adventure @Laurel_Robbins


Asking the question is “Trollinger a good German wine?” is asking for trouble.  Trollinger wine is only produced in Württemberg an area in SW Germany that lies primarily between Stuttgart and Heilbronn and these residents called Swabians are likely to answer along the lines of “Of course.  It’s aromatic, fruity with a hint of strawberry, plus its a local specialty.”  Germans who reside outside the region are likely to answer with a face screwed up in disgust that says it all, with a wave of their hand dismissing the Swabians as silly for thinking that Trollinger is a good wine.  Non-wine aficionados are more likely to remain more neutral, most likely never having heard of Trollinger.

Württemberg is one of only a few places in the world that produces the Trollinger grape and most of it is consumed locally.  Only a small fraction of it is exported, making Trollinger a rare wine.  Unlike other items that are rare because they are so precious like yellow diamonds, Trollinger is rare for another reason.  It is perhaps one would say…an acquired taste.  In watching many expat friends taste their first sip of Trollinger I’ve heard things like “it tastes like cough syrup”, “it’s so metallic” or “it tastes like rancid berries.”  Don’t let a Swabian hear you say that though, they’re very proud of their Trollinger wines.  I’m personally not a big fan of it as I find  it doesn’t go down as smooth as other wines – i.e. I feel a slight burning in my throat when I drink it.  Having said that, I would recommend trying it when you’re in the Stuttgart region as it is one of the few places you will find it – but perhaps start with a glass first before ordering a bottle.  So what do you think, is Trollinger a good German wine?

Join in the fun by sharing your own Food Friday post.  It could be a tasty meal you’ve had, a recipe, restaurant review, or food photography, whatever tickles your fancy and it doesn’t have to be travel related.  What you consider local might be exotic to someone else.  To join in the fun of Food Friday:

  • post a food or drink related post on your blog (linking to an old food or drink post is also fine, but please don’t link to a non food or drink related post)
  • include a link in your post back to this page (http://www.myexpatgermany.com/trollinger-german-wine) so that everyone participating gets more exposure
  • then post your post title and post url (not blog url) on the form on this post and leave a comment
  • take a minute to visit the other Food Friday posts, increasing everyone’s exposure