I agree that Italy does much better in general perception. Part of the answer might be that people often associate sweeter wines with lower quality - and Italy is commonly seen as dry wine country, as opposed to sweet Germany. This is made worse by the fact that while many customers will have heard of Barolo, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco, Chianti or perhaps Sangiovese, they will probably associate Germany only with Riesling. And here is the Riesling = Liebfraumilch = sweet = plonk trap again.
Anyway, it seems you have recently been drinking in much more style than me, Heike. I now have aged wine envy!
In reply to WOW! by Heike
Italy vs Germany
I agree that Italy does much better in general perception. Part of the answer might be that people often associate sweeter wines with lower quality - and Italy is commonly seen as dry wine country, as opposed to sweet Germany. This is made worse by the fact that while many customers will have heard of Barolo, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco, Chianti or perhaps Sangiovese, they will probably associate Germany only with Riesling. And here is the Riesling = Liebfraumilch = sweet = plonk trap again.
Anyway, it seems you have recently been drinking in much more style than me, Heike. I now have aged wine envy!