Ch 22 - Germany Flashcards
What is the climate in Germany? What are the hazards?
Generally cool continental although those in Baden are warmer being further south. Summers can be wet, frosts can be an issue.
How do grapes ripen in the cool climate in Germany?
Rain generally declines in autumn during final ripening - long, cool ripening gives grapes time to reach sugar ripeness while retaining acidity. Vineyards planted near a rvier benefit from reflected sunglight.
What is notable about sweet wine production in Germany?
When conditions are right noble rot will develop so botrytised wines can be made in every region of Germany.
Where are the best sites usually found in Germany?
On steep and often stony slopes with southerly aspect - maximises available heat and sunlight.
What vineyard techniques are used in Germany?
Worked by hand and on most extreme slopes equipment has to be manoeuvred into place by winches. Vines are head-pruned, individually staked and canes tied in at the top of the stake to maximise exposure to light and circulation of air.
What are some benefits for vineyards planted near rivers in Germany?
May see reflected light and warmth to help ripening and air movement created by flowing water can protect against frost.
What is notable about harvest in Germany and how does this impact harvest and the wines made?
Because wines are classified by must weight harvest can be spread out over a number of weeks and months. It is possible to make range of Qualitatsweine and Pradikatsweine each year from one vineyard. Pickers pass through several times to get ideal grapes for each category. Grapes can be sorted and categorised after picking as well.
What is the ongoing trend in Germany which impacts style of wine made?
For dry wines. They will be both red and white at all quality levels - often sold as Qualitatsweine.
What is the most widely planted grape variety and how does it express itself in Germany? What style of wine is made?
Riesling - different from region to region and vineyard to vineyard due to variations in climate and soil. Flavours range from delicate and floral to richer peachy fruit. Range from bone dry to lusciously sweet.
How is dry Riesling in Germany often labelled and what are its styles? What other labelling term exists?
Dry often just labelled Qualitatsweine and range from light and fruity to very concentrated and intense. Many of the best are labelled Grosses Gewachs (GG).
What characteristics are found in Pradikatsweine Rieslings?
Nearly all labelled Pradikatsweine will have residual sugar but up to Auslese it is possible for these to be dry.
What is Kabinett wine and what is the style you’d expect?
Most delicate pradikatsweine. Rieslings made this way are light in body, with high acidity and green apple or citrus balanced with residual sweetness. Sweet ones will be 8-9%abv whereas drier ones reach 12%abv.
How can Kabinett wines be sweetened?
Can be sweetened after fermentation using unfermented grape juice (Sussreserve) but this is not used for high quality wines. The best would be made by stopping fermentation early so there are residual sugars left. This achieves a better sugar/acid balance.
What is Spatlese wine and what is the style you’d expect?
Made in same way as Kabinett but are more concentrated, riper and have a little more body, alcohol and where relevant, sweetness compared with Kabinett. Citrus and stone fruity (peach/apricot).
What is Auslese wine and what is the style you’d expect?
Wines made from individually selected extra-ripe bunches of grapes. Can be dry. Whether dry or sweet, they’re richer and riper compared with Spatlese and regardless of style, noble rot can play an important part in the flavour profile of the wines.
