Rising from the dark days of the Cold War, when the its wine market was overwrought with mediocre, bulk sweet wine producers, Germany has come into its own as the global standard-bearer for fine Riesling wine, producing examples of white wine that can convey site-specific character in a way similar to Pinot Noir in red. Additionally, recent years have experienced warmer temperatures and brought about new opportunities with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, creating wines that rival the great Burgundies of yesteryear, wines of focus, precision, and depth.