04/21/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/21/2021 12:09
Graphic via https://www.germanwines.de/
Ask any wine student, and they will be eager to tell you: German wines are confusing. When you consider the combination of gothic-style script on labels, overlapping levels of the Prädikat, and a seemingly never-ending list of places-of-origin (only some of which are government-approved and therefore considered official)-most wine educators would agree.
Hang on to your hats, wine lovers, because the categorization and classification of German wines is about to change, and it is yet to be seen whether these changes will make the study of German wines easier, or even more (shall we say) complex.
Before we dive in, take heart: these changes are still in the works. While producers can implement the changes immediately, they are not required to do so until the 2025 vintage, and-there is still quite a bit of regulatory work to be done. Nevertheless, here is what has been announced so far:
The hierarchy (and label terminology) for Prädikatswein-based on ripeness levels (must concentration) at harvest-will remain unchanged.
A new system (hierarchy)-based on geography and the philosophy of the smaller the area, the higher the quality-will come into force. This geography-based set of classifications will apply to PDO (protected designation of origin) wines only-both still and sparkling-and may be used for both Qualitätswein and Prädikatswein.
This geography-based hierarchy is not entirely new; current students of wine will recall the four levels of German wine place-of-origin categories-Anbaugebiete (area), Bereiche (region), Grosslagen (village), Einzellagen (vineyard)-currently in use. This new system just adds a few levels of specificity AND allows for the regulation of grape varieties and wine styles at the higher levels. (This to-be-determined information is expected to be released over the next few months/years.)
Here is the new categorization of German wine place-of-origin terms, in order from largest (and-theoretically, less specific in qualifications and lowest in quality) to smallest (and-theoretically, with the most specific qualification and highest in quality).
Side note: according to the press release linked below, 'Associations that already use the terms Grosses Gewächs and Erstes Gewächs may continue to use them if they meet certain minimum requirements from the wine ordinance, for example with regard to grape varieties, yields, harvest regulations or the taste profile.'
Reference/for more information:
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: [email protected]