Denmark

Denmark may not play any major role in wine production, but wine has always been consumed there. One of the most prominent wine lovers was King Christian IV. (1577-1648). He imported Riesling by the barrel from the German wine-growing region of Mittelrhein to celebrate his numerous feasts. Denmark has also been recognized as a wine-growing region by the European Union since August 2000. This means that Danish wine can be marketed commercially. The EU has authorised wine growing on a total vineyard area of 99 hectares, although the actual vineyard area under vine in 2007 was only 24 hectares. The following grape varieties are permitted: white - Bacchus, Chardonnay, Ehrenbreitsteiner, Eszter, Goldriesling, Huxelrebe, Kerner, Kernling, Merzling, Optima, Ortega, Phoenix, Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, Précose de Malingre, Reflex, Reform, Regner, Siegerrebe and Solaris, as well as the red varieties Blaue Donau, Castel, Don Muskat (Muskat Donskoi), Dunkelfelder, Léon Millot, Maréchal Foch, Nero, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Rondo.

The Skærsøgaard Vin estate (winemaker Sven Moesgaard) close to Kolding in Southeast-Jutland close to the coast (Small Belt) was the first producer. Red wine, white wine and sparkling wine are produced here. Other producers include Dansk Vincenter, Frederiksborg Vin, Vinperlen, Domain Aalsgaard (all on the island of Seeland) and Lille Gadegaard (Bornholm island). In total there are 23 wine producers. The 2006 vintage, which saw a production of 42.000 litres, was the record vintage so far. Initially, the products could only be sold as ”table wine”. As of the 2007 vintage, producers were permitted for the first time, in terms of EU regulations, to state the region, vintage and grape variety on the label. However, the most important alcoholic beverage produced in Denmark is Aquavit, a spirit distilled from grain or potatoes, this carries the protected trademark „Danske”. Danish wine production may become more important in future.