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WSET® Level 4 Wine > WSET® Level 4 D3 Wines of the World > D3 - Germany > Flashcards

D3 - Germany Flashcards

Examines the regions, grapes, methods of production, and styles of Germany.

1
Q

What style of wine is Liebfraumilch?
From where did it originate?

A
  • An inexpensive, medium-sweet* white wine from Germany that must contain at least 70% Riesling, Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau and Kerner (typically Müller-Thurgau dominates the blend);
  • Originated in Worms in the southern Rheinhessen.

*Note that on p.168 the textbook also calls Liebfraumilch “medium-dry” – know you can use both terms as the WSET does, too.

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2
Q

Name two wineries in Germany that date back to the Middle Ages.

A
  1. Schloss Johannisberg;
  2. Kloster Eberbach.

Both in Rheingau.

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3
Q

In what 2 ways did the fifth German wine law of 1971 lay the foundation for modern German wine production?

A
  1. It established protected geographical labelling;
  2. It established the classification of wine styles based on must weights.
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4
Q

What is the overall climate of Germany?

A

Cool and continental.

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5
Q

With the exception of Baden, most of Germany’s winemaking regions lie around this latitude.

A

49–50°N

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6
Q

What role do rivers play in Germany’s cool climate?

A
  • Radiate heat;
  • Moderate temperatures;
  • Extend the growing season.
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7
Q

Select the correct answer.

The best vineyards in Germany are found on:

a. the valley floor facing west to minimize winds
b. steep, south-facing slopes to maximize sun exposure

A

b. steep, south-facing slopes to maximize sun exposure

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8
Q
  • In Germany, frosts pose the greatest threats during which season?
  • What helps mitigate frost in Germany?
A
  • Spring;
  • River airflow and its reflection of sunlight, and airflow down the slopes (downdrafts) help mitigate frost.
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9
Q

Select the correct answer.

Summers in Germany are:

a. warm and wet
b. hot and dry
c. rainy and cold

A

a. warm and wet

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10
Q

What is the average rainfall in Germany?
When does most of it fall?

A

500 - 800mm; most of it falls in the summer.

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11
Q

Since rain in Germany falls mostly during the summer, what threats does it pose?

A

It increases the risk of:

  • fungal disease;
  • dilution of grapes;
  • hail in heavy storms.
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12
Q

Select the correct answer.

Autumns in Germany are:

a. warm and wet
b. long and dry
c. rainy and cool

A

b. long and dry

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13
Q

What are 2 benefits from Germany’s autumns being long and dry?

A
  1. Long ripening periods – grapes can develop high levels of natural sugar required for Prädikatswein;
  2. The morning mists along the rivers are ideal for the development of botrytis.
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14
Q

At what elevation are most of the vineyards in Germany planted?

A

200m asl

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15
Q

Name two important mountain ranges that protect Germany’s vineyard areas from cold winds and the worst of the weather.

A

Taunus and Haardt

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16
Q

Select the correct answer.

The wine region Baden in Germany is noticeably:

a. drier, warmer and sunnier than Germany’s other wine growing regions
b. wetter, cooler, and cloudier than Germany’s other wine growing regions

A

a. drier, warmer and sunnier

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17
Q

Select the correct answer.

Germany’s soils are:

a. varied
b. homogenous

A

a. varied

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18
Q

How does the dark slate found in Mosel and Ahr help to ripen fruit in the vineyards?

A

It retains heat during the day and radiates it out at night.

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19
Q

In Germany, there are pockets of calcareous soils found in certain regions.

In which regions can these pockets of calcareous soils found, and which grape varieties are planted in these pockets?

A

In Baden, Pfalz and Rheinhessen:

  • Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir);
  • Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc);
  • Chardonnay

In Franken:

  • Silvaner
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20
Q

In Germany, the grape variety that prefers more heavy, clayey soils is:

A

Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris)

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21
Q

How does erosion in the vineyard add to the cost of vineyard maintenance?

A

Vineyard owners regularly need to haul soil and rocks back up the slopes because they erode and fall down the steep slopes.

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22
Q

In Germany, what is the maximum yield permitted for Qualitätswein?

A

105 hl/ha, but quality producers work with much lower yields.

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23
Q

What are some factors that have reduced vintage variation in recent years in Germany?

A
  • Significant advances in vineyard management techniques;
  • Better clonal selection (especially for black grape varieties);
  • Summer pruning;
  • Green harvesting;
  • Selective hand harvesting;
  • Climate change.
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24
Q

In Germany, what vineyard management technique is employed to combat the disease risk caused by wet summers?

A

Good canopy management – it’s essential to maximize sun exposure and to improve air circulation.

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25
Q

In Germany, all but the steepest vineyards use this kind of vine pruning/trellising.

A

Single and double replacement-cane pruning with VSP trellising and Pendelbogen.

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26
Q

In German vineyards, what is Pendelbogen?

A

Replacement-cane pruning with the canes arched in the trellis.

This cane arching is thought to improve sap flow in the vine and increase the number of viable buds, thereby increasing yields.

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27
Q

Germany is or is not widely suited to organic and biodynamic viticulture?

A

Is not – the disease pressure is always high due to wet summers.

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28
Q

Select the correct answer.

Due to the topography of many German vineyards, most vineyards in Germany are:

a. fully mechanized, which decreases costs
b. hand harvested, which increases costs

A

b. hand harvested, which increases costs

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29
Q

What 3 factors have contributed to the increase in quality of Germany’s red wines?

A
  • Development of better clones;
  • Better vineyard management and winemaking techniques;
  • Increasing temperatures in the vineyard.
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30
Q

In Germany, Riesling accounts for what percent of all plantings?

A

Nearly a quarter (23%).

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31
Q

Because Riesling is late budding and has thick wood, this helps protect it from Germany’s __ frosts.

A

spring

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32
Q

Select the correct answer.

Riesling ripens:

a. early
b. mid
c. late

A

c. late

It needs good sun exposure and dry autumns to fully ripen.

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33
Q

Why is Riesling ideal for producing sweet wines?

A
  • It retains high acidity even when fully ripe;
  • It can produce high natural levels of sugar;
  • It is susceptible to botrytis, making it ideal for making sweet wines.
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34
Q

What grape is also known as Rivaner?

A

Müller-Thurgau

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35
Q

Müller-Thurgau ripens earlier or later than Riesling?

A

Earlier

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36
Q

Müller-Thurgau has higher or lower acidity than Riesling?

A

Lower

Its acidity is typically medium.

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37
Q

What is Germany’s most planted red grape?

A

Spätburgunder

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38
Q

Some producers in Germany use less new oak now on their Spätburgunders than they did just a decade ago.

What winemaking technique do they deploy to help with tannin structure?

A

They use whole bunch fermentation with the stems which contributes tannins.

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39
Q

Germany’s second most planted black variety is:

A

Dornfelder

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40
Q

Dornfelder is used to make two different styles of wine.

What are those styles?

A
  1. a fruity, easy-drinking style, sometimes with a little residual sugar, showing aromas of sour cherry and blackberry;
  2. a more complex style made from lower yields which shows greater focus on tannins and structure, fermented or aged in oak, and has aging potential.
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41
Q

Which region in Germany is known for producing high quality Silvaner?

A

Franken

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42
Q

Grauburgunder, or Pinot Gris, can also be labeled as ___ when it is fuller-bodied and sweeter.

A

Ruländer

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43
Q

Besides Spätburgunder and Dornfelder, what other four red grape varieties are grown in Germany?

A
  1. Portugieser;
  2. Schwarzriesling (Pinot Meunier);
  3. Trollinger (Schiava);
  4. Lemberger (Blaufränkisch).
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44
Q

Name three white grape varieties grown in Germany that are crosses (as opposed to hybrids).

A
  1. Müller-Thurgau;
  2. Scheurebe;
  3. Kerner.
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45
Q

How many liters does a Fuder in the Mosel hold?

A

1000L

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46
Q

How many liters does a Stück hold?

A

1200L

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47
Q

Why is it common for mid-priced and premium Riesling to ferment in stainless steel?

A
  • No oxygen is introduced;
  • No flavors are added;
  • Helps retain primary fruit aromas.
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48
Q

Why is new oak rarely used on German Rieslings?

A

It would mask the grape’s primary aromas.

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49
Q

What is Süssreserve and what is it used for?

A
  • It is unfermented or partially-fermented grape must;
  • It is added back to a fermented wine to create the desired level of sweetness (it was often used to mask high acidity and bitterness from under-ripe grapes).
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50
Q

Because Süssreserve has minimal or no alcohol, what can happen to the finished wine it’s added to?

A

Depending on the volume of Süssreserve added, it may slightly reduce the alcohol level of the final wine.

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51
Q

In Germany, what is the only quality level that allows a winemaker to use RCGM to sweeten their wine?

A

Deutscher Wein

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52
Q

Select the correct answer.

The word ‘trocken’ on a German wine label means:

a. dry
b. off-dry
c. medium-dry

A

a. dry

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53
Q

Select the correct answer.

The word ‘halbtrocken’ on a German wine label means:

a. dry
b. off-dry
c. medium-dry

A

b. off-dry

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54
Q

What are the four quality levels of German wine in increasing order of must weight?

A
  1. Deutscher Wein;
  2. Landwein;
  3. Qualitätswein;
  4. Prädikatswein.

see p.164

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55
Q

What geographic area does Deutscher Wein cover?

A

Wines without a geographical indication that are made exclusively from grapes grown in Germany.

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56
Q

Deutscher Wein:

  • What is the permissible ABV range?
  • What style(s) can be produced?
A
  • ABV levels must be between 8.5% - 15%;
  • Can be produced in any style.
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57
Q

Select the correct answer.

Landwein is the German equivalent of a:

a. IGT wine
b. PGI wine
c. PDO wine

A

b. PGI wine

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58
Q

What percentage of grapes must come from the region a Landwein states on the label?

A

85%

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59
Q

Landwein ABV levels must be between:

A

8.5% - 15% ABV

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60
Q

Qualitätswein and Prädikatswein are both in the PDO category, but which one has more stringent regulations?

A

Prädikatswein

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61
Q
  • In Germany, what is an Anbaugebiete?
  • How many does Germany have?
A
  • Wine region;
  • 13.
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62
Q

Is enrichment permitted or not permitted for Qualitätswein?

A

Permitted

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63
Q

What is the ABV range for Qualitätswein?

A

Minimum ABV is 7%, which allows for sweeter wines; there is no maximum alcohol level.

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64
Q

What is an ‘AP’ (Amtliche Prüfungsnummer) number?

A

A 10 to 12 digit number indicating where and when the wine was tested, the location of the vineyard, and the bottler’s specific lot number.

APs are unique for each bottling.

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65
Q

For Qualitätswein, the grapes must come from where?
For Prädikatswein, the grapes must come from where?

A

Qualitätswein – grapes must come from one of the 13 Anbaugebieten, the name of which must appear on the label;

Prädikatswein – grapes must come exclusively from a Bereich, one of 40 recognized wine-making districts, which does not need to appear on the label (but the Anbaugebiete does).

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66
Q

Enrichment is or is not allowed at the Prädikatswein level?

A

Not allowed.

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67
Q

The Prädikat levels are defined by what?

A

Minimum must weight.

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68
Q

What are the six Prädikat in increasing order of must weight?

A
  1. Kabinett (lightest in body, highest in acid);
  2. Spätlese;
  3. Auslese;
  4. Beerenauslese;
  5. Eiswein;
  6. Trockenbeerenauslese.
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69
Q

When are Spätlese grapes usually picked?

A

~2 weeks after Kabinett grapes are picked.

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70
Q

When compared to Kabinett Rieslngs, why do Spätlesen have more concentration of riper fruit flavors, slightly higher alcohol levels, and fuller body?

A

Spätlesen are made from fully ripened grapes.

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71
Q

Kabinett and Spätlese Riesling have the same alcohol range and the same sweetness range.

What are those ranges?

A
  • Minimum 7% ABV (no maximum);
  • Dry to medium-sweet.
72
Q

Select the correct answer.

Auslese Riesling is made from:

a. specially-selected, extra-ripe bunches of grapes
b. specially-selected, underripe bunches of grapes
c. specially-selected, shriveled bunches of grapes

A

a. specially-selected, extra-ripe bunches of grapes

73
Q

The last German Prädikat category at which wines can be made in a dry style is:

A

Auslese

74
Q

Select the correct answer.

Beerenauslese is made from:

a. hand harvested, individually selected berries
b. hand harvested, individually selected bunches

A

a. hand harvested, individually selected berries

75
Q

The minimum ABV for Beerenauslese, Eiswein and Trockenbeerenauslese is:

A

5.5% ABV

76
Q

Do the berries in Beerenauslese all have to be botrytized?

A

No; in fact, none of the berries need to be botrytized but it is typical that at least some of them are.

77
Q

Select the correct answer.

Eiswein grapes must be picked:

a. after the last autumn frost
b. when frozen, at temperatures below -7°C (19°F)
c. always before November 1 the year of harvest

A

b. when frozen, at temperatures below –7°C (19°F)

78
Q

For Eiswein, the grapes must be pressed while they’re still ___.

A

Frozen

79
Q

Why must Eiswein grapes be perfectly healthy when harvested?

A

Any rot on the grapes would contribute undesirable off-flavors.

80
Q

True or False?

The grapes for Trockenbeerenauslese must have been affected by Botrytis.

A

True.

In order to produce Trockenbeerenauslese wine, the grapes used must be shriveled and concentrated in sugar due to the effects of the Botrytis cinerea fungus. This process gives the wine its distinctive sweet and rich flavor profile.

81
Q

In Germany, wines labeled ‘trocken’ must have no more than __g/L residual sugar.

A

4g/L

Or up to 9 g/L where residual sugar does not exceed total acidity by more than 2g/L.

82
Q

In Germany, wines labeled ‘halbtrocken’ have an RS range of:

A

4 - 12 g/L

Or up to 18 g/L where residual sugar does not exceed total acidity by more than 10g/L.

83
Q

In Germany, wines labeled ‘lieblich’ have an RS range of:

A

12 - 45g/L

84
Q

In Germany, wines labeled ‘süss’ have at least this many g/L of residual sugar.

A

45g/L

85
Q

In Germany, why is it that a higher proportion of trocken wines are produced in warmer regions?

A

The ripeness of fruit can balance acidity without the need for sugar.

86
Q

In Germany, the term ‘feinherb’ is not defined by law but can be used for wines which fall within the legal definition of ___.

A

Halbtrocken

87
Q

What does the term ‘Goldkapsel’ designate?

A

Wines that are characterised by botrytis (shorter capsules indicate wines with higher levels of concentration than the average Auslese and longer capsules have even higher levels).

Think Goldkapsel as a bridge between Auslese and Beerenauslese.

88
Q

What is an Einzellage?

A

An individual, specific vineyard site.

89
Q

What does Grosslagen mean?

Note that this is the plural of one word - Grosslage - and not two words, Grosse Lage (German nouns that end with -e take an -n as per regular plural rules).

A

A collection of vineyard sites, or einzellagen.

90
Q

What is the size range for Grosslagen?

A

600 - 1,800ha

91
Q

What is a Grosse Lage?

Note that this is two words - Grosse Lage - and not one word, Grosselage.

A

A top vineyard in the VDP classification.

Comparatively, these are most similar to Grand Crus in Burgundy.

92
Q

Select the correct answer.

Einzellage and Grosslage can only be used on labels for:

a. Qualitätswein and Prädikatswein
b. Prädikatswein only
c. Deutcher Wein and Landwein

A

a. Qualitätswein and Prädikatswein

93
Q

Answer each question.

Liebfraumilch technical details:

a. Minimum RS?
b. Which grape tends to dominate the blend?
c. Which 4 regions must the grapes come from?

A

a. 18g/L RS;
b. Müller-Thurgau;
c. Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Rheingau and Nahe.

94
Q

What is the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter)?

A

A 200-member national German association of producers committed to top quality and high standards for viticulture and winemaking.

Most VDP producers focus on Riesling.

95
Q

What are some of the stricter regulations VDP members must follow?

A
  • Lower maximum yields;
  • Higher minimum must weights;
  • Growing the traditional grape varieties for their particular region;
  • Encourage sustainable viticulture;
  • Emphasize the provenance of wines (see card on VDP wine categories).
96
Q

What are the four categories of VDP wine?

These apply only to VDP members.

A
  1. VDP Gutswein;
  2. VDP Ortswein;
  3. VDP Erste Lage;
  4. VDP Grosse Lage.
97
Q

What is Gutswein?
What is the maximum yield for Gutswein?

A
  • Regional wines
  • 75hl/ha
98
Q

What is Ortswein?
What are the maximum yields for Ortswein?

A
  • Village wines (they are equivalent to village wines in Burgundy)
  • 75hl/ha
99
Q

What is Erste Lage?
What is its maximum yield?

A
  • ‘First-class’ vineyards that have distinctive characteristics and are roughly equivalent to Burgundy’s premier cru
  • 60hL/ha
100
Q

Answer each question.

Erste Lage details:

a. Which grapes can be used?
b. Are they machine or hand harvested?
c. What ripeness level do they have to be at harvest?
d. What needs to appear on the label?

A

a. Only grape varieties best suited to a particular site or parcel, as decided by the local VDP;
b. Only hand harvested;
c. At least Spätlese ripeness;
d. Village and vineyard name.

101
Q

What is Grosse Lage?
What is the maximum yield?

A
  • Best parcels in the top vineyards
  • 50hL/ha
102
Q

Answer each question.

Grosse Lage details:

a. Which grapes are permitted?
b. When can sweet white wines be released?
c. When can dry white wines be released?

A

a. Depends on the Anbaugebiete, but Riesling is permitted in all of them and Pinot Noir is allowed in all but the Mosel and Nahe;
b. May 1 the year following harvest;
c September 1 the year following harvest.

103
Q

Answer each question.

Grosse Lage red wines:

a. How long must they spend in oak?
b. When can they be released?

A

a. At least 12 months in oak;
b. September 1 the second year following harvest.

Read this article for even more details on Germany’s updated wine laws.

104
Q

What does the term Grosses Gewächs designate?

A

A dry wine from a Grosse Lage vineyard.

105
Q

What is listed on a Grosses Gewächs bottling?

A

Only the vineyard name (not the village);
The term Grosses Gewächs cannot appear on the label; instead the VDP ‘GG’ trademark is used on the label and VDP members emboss ‘GG’ on the glass bottle.

e.g. Emrich-Schönleber Riesling Halenberg GG (the village, Monzing, is dropped)

106
Q

What is the Rheingau Charta?

A
  • A Rheingau-specific organization formed in 1984 to advance the classic, dry style of Rheingau Riesling from Rheingau’s top sites;
  • It is a legally protected term for wines from these sites.
107
Q

What are the rules for Rheingau Charta?

A
  • Wines must be either Riesling or Spätburgunder;
  • Grapes must be hand harvested from lower-yielding vineyards;
  • Wines must be dry with a minimum must weight equivalent to Spätlese.
108
Q

In 1999 the members of Rheingau Charta joined the VDP. What does that give them privy to?

A

Charta members, who previously used the term Erstes Gewächs for their dry wines, can now label those wines as ‘GG’ (Grosses Gewächs).

109
Q

German wine law was revised in January 2021. Until what year can producers use some categories from the old system?

A

2025

See here for more reading.

110
Q

Under the new 2021 wine law in Germany, how is Deutscher Wein defined?
What can appear on the label?

A
  • It is a wine without a geographic designation;
  • Vintage and grape variety can appear on the label.
111
Q

Under the new 2021 wine law in Germany, how is Landwein defined?

What can and cannot appear on the label?

A
  • It’s wine from one of Germany’s 26 defined Landwein areas;
  • Label can state the name of the Landwein region(s) where the grapes were grown;
  • Cannot state a village or vineyard name.
112
Q

Under the new 2021 wine law in Germany, how is Qualitätswein defined?
What is its Oechsle range?

A
  • The wines must come from a defined origin;
  • A wine may be enriched within stated limits;
  • 50°–72° Oechsle depending on the Anbaugebiete.
113
Q

Under the new 2021 wine law in Germany, how is Prädikatswein defined?
What is its Oechsle range?

A
  • A category within Qualitätswein with higher must weight requirements (generally);
  • Enrichment is not allowed;
  • 70°–154° Oechsle.
114
Q

For clarity, what Qualitätswein geographic hierarchy was removed under the 2021 German wine law?

A

Grosslage

115
Q

What are the four geographic hierarchies for Qualitätswein under the new 2021 wine law?

A
  1. Anbaugebiet;
  2. Region;
  3. Ortwein;
  4. Einzellage.
116
Q

An Ortwein must bear what on its label?

A

The name of the village.

117
Q

What are the two further categories within the single vineyard (Einzellage) category?

A
  1. Erstes Gewächs;
  2. Grosses Gewächs.
118
Q

It’s possible to indicate a smaller parcel on a label within an Erstes Gewächs or Grosses Gewächs as long as it entered into the vineyard register.

What is the term for this smaller parcel?

A

Gewann

119
Q

What are the maximum yields and minimum natural ABV for Erstes Gewächs?

A
  • Maximum 60 hL/ ha or 70 hL/ha on steep slopes;
  • Minimum natural ABV of 11%.
120
Q

When can Erstes Gewächs be released?

A

March 1 the year following harvest.

121
Q

What are the five highest-producing Anbaugebiete in Germany?

A
  1. Rheinhessen (largest production);
  2. Pfalz;
  3. Baden;
  4. Württemberg;
  5. Mosel.

These five combined account for 88% of Germany’s wine production.

122
Q

Which two mountain ranges shelter the Rheinhessen?

A
  1. Hunsrück;
  2. Taunus.
123
Q

Select the correct answer.

The majority of Rheinhessen’s vineyards are planted on:

a. steep south-facing slopes
b. mid-slopes facing northeast
c. the warm, fertile valley floors

A

c. the warm, fertile valley floors

124
Q
  • In Rheinhessen, the two most planted white grape varieties are ___.
  • And the most planted red grape is ___.
A
  • Riesling followed by Müller-Thurgau;
  • Dornfelder.
125
Q

What factors contribute to the Rheinterrasse producing high-quality wines?

A
  • Steep slopes facing east so vines get warm morning sun, enhancing ripeness (vineyards are on the west bank of the Rhine near Nierstein and Oppenheim);
  • River has a moderating influence, extending ripening.
126
Q

What is the Roter Hang?

A

A strip of vineyards within the Rheinterrasse distinguished by its Rotliegenden soil, an iron-rich red soil consisting of slate, clay and sandstone.

Rieslings from the Roter Hang are reputed to have smoky characteristics.

127
Q

Name two well known Rheinhessen producers.

A
  1. Gunderloch;
  2. Keller.
128
Q

The Haardt mountains are a continuation of which other mountain range?

A

Vosges

129
Q

Which Anbaugebiete is in the rain shadow of the Haardt range?

A

Pfalz

130
Q

Why do Pfalz wines tend to be slightly fuller-bodied with riper fruit flavors than those from Rheinhessen?

A

It has warmer temperatures from being in the rain shadow of the Haardt range.

131
Q

The most distinguished vineyards in Pfalz are in the north in an area known as the:

A

Mittelhaardt

132
Q

What factors contribute to Rieslings being so ripe and full bodied in the Mittelhaardt?

A
  • Vineyards planted on steep south- and east-facing slopes;
  • Vineyards protected from winds by the Haardt mountains.
133
Q

Pinot varieties successfully grow in this southern area of Pfalz known for its fertile sandstone soils.

A

Südliche Weinstrasse

134
Q

Baden is split into multiple Bereiche, but its main vineyard area is planted where?

A

On the eastern side of the Rhine opposite Alsace – like Alsace it also benefits from the rain shadow of the Vosges, making it Germany’s warmest, sunniest and driest wine-producing region.

135
Q

What grape is Baden known for?

A

Spätburgunder

Many Spätburgunder are enhanced with oak aging.

136
Q

The area in Baden with an extinct volcano is called:

A

Kaiserstuhl

137
Q

How does Spätburgunder differ when it’s grown in Kaiserstuhl vs. grown in Ortenau?

A
  • Kaiserstuhl Spätburgunder will be full bodied, smoky, and ripe with high alcohol;
  • Ortenau is cooler, so its Spätburgunder will have more acidity and more delicate fruit flavors.
138
Q

Baden is known for its production of high volume, inexpensive white wine blends made by co-operatives.

Nearly 75% of Baden’s total production is made by this co-op.

A

Badischer Winzerkeller

139
Q

What is the name of the central co-operative that dominates production in Württemberg?

A

Möglingen

140
Q

Select the correct answer.

Plantings in Württemberg are predominantly:

a. red grapes
b. white grapes
c. peaches

A

a. red grapes

141
Q

Besides Spätburgunder, name three other red grapes that are planted in Württemberg.

A
  1. Trollinger;
  2. Lemberger;
  3. Schwarzriesling.
142
Q

What factors help the Mosel ripen grapes in this northerly latitude?

A
  1. Site selection;
  2. Steep, south-facing slopes (good solar interception);
  3. Vineyards face the river and benefit from sunlight reflected off the river;
  4. Dark slate radiates heat.
143
Q

What are the three sections of the Mosel?

A
  1. Upper Mosel;
  2. Middle Mosel;
  3. Lower Mosel.
144
Q

Which section of the Mosel is the largest and has most of the best vineyards?

A

Middle Mosel

145
Q

Name three famous village and vineyard combinations in the Mosel.

A
  1. Erdener Treppchen;
  2. Bernkasteler Doctor;
  3. Ürziger Würzgarten.
146
Q

What are the different colors of slate found in the Mosel?

A
  • Grey;
  • Blue;
  • Brown;
  • Red.
147
Q

What factors go into the high(er) prices for Mosel Rieslings?

A
  • Steep sites need manual labor, which is expensive;
  • Sites are labor-intensive, which add cost (rectifying erosion, pruning, harvesting);
  • Low yields required for BA and TBA (and their hand harvesting) which add to cost.
148
Q

The world’s largest Riesling producer is a co-op in the Mosel called:

A

Moselland

149
Q

What are the two tributaries of the Mosel river?

A

Saar and Ruwer

150
Q

How does the higher elevation of the valleys of the Saar and Ruwer contribute to the style of wine made there?

A

Temperatures are lower so acidity is higher.

151
Q

What is the river in Franken?

A

Main River

152
Q

Which of Germany’s Anbaugebieten has the most continental climate?

A

Franken

153
Q

Which grape is Franken known for?

A

Silvaner

154
Q

Silvaner can reach full ripeness in Franken before temperatures drop in autumn because it’s:

A

Early budding + early ripening.

155
Q

Because Silvaner is early-budding, that means it’s susceptible to:

A

Spring frosts

Note: due to its historical significance in the region, Silvaner tends to get the best sites, which are less frost prone.

156
Q

What bottle shape in Franken known for?

A

Bocksbeutel – a flat, round-shaped bottle with a short neck.

157
Q

Nahe is protected by which mountain range?

A

Hunsrück Mountains

158
Q

Select the correct answer.

Some of the warmest conditions in the Nahe are located:

a. in the east of the region, particularly those on south-facing banks
b. in the west of the region, particularly those on south-facing banks

A

a. in the east of the region, particularly those on south-facing banks

159
Q

In Nahe, steeper slopes with less fertile soils are planted to Riesling while more gentle slopes with more fertile soils are planted to:

A

Müller-Thurgau, Grauburgunder and Weissburgunder.

160
Q

Which mountain range protects Rheingau from cold, northerly winds?

A

Taunus Mountains (the western end of them).

161
Q

The Rhine river in Rheingau is fairly wide which increases humidity, providing conditions that are perfect for the development of:

A

Botrytis

162
Q

Rheingau’s best vineyards are situated on steep slopes around these five villages:

A
  1. Rüdesheim;
  2. Geisenheim;
  3. Johannisberg;
  4. Hattenheim;
  5. Erbach.
163
Q

For dry whites from Rheingau, why are sites on the mid-slope thought to have the best conditions?

A

Even though they get some moderating influence from the river, they’re far enough away to avoid a lot of the humidity that can lead to fungal diseases.

164
Q

Where in Rheingau is Spätburgunder a key grape?

A

Around Assmannshausen in the west, and particularly in the steep Höllenberg vineyard which is south and southwest facing.

165
Q

What does the term ‘Schloss’ denote on a bottle of German wine?

A

A castle or manor house.

Rheingau was once the home of the German aristocracy.

166
Q

Co-ops in Rheingau are less influential or more influential than elsewhere in Germany?

A

Less influential.

167
Q

Germany’s smallest and most northerly wine region is:

A

Ahr

168
Q

Which color grape dominates plantings in Ahr: red or white?

A

Red

169
Q

Why are red grapes well suited to grow in Ahr?

A
  • The Ahr River cuts a narrow, sheltered valley with steep, south-facing slopes;
  • The soil is dominated by heat-retaining dark slate and greywacke (a dark sandstone).
170
Q

Select the correct answer.

Ahr is a good source for which red grape?

a. Lemberger
b. Dornfelder
c. Spätburgunder

A

c. Spätburgunder

They are fermented to dryness with relatively high tannins and spice notes from oak aging.

171
Q

Co-ops still produce around what percent of Ahr wine?

A

75%

172
Q

In 2021, __% of all grape plantings in Germany were black grape varieties.

A

32%

173
Q

Select the correct answer.

Erstes Gewächs or Grosses Gewächs wines must be made from:

a) A single grape variety
b) A blend of different grape varieties from a single anbaugebiet
c) A blend of various red grape varieties from a single barrel

A

A single grape variety

174
Q

Select the correct answer.

Grosses Gewächs wines must be:

a) Machine harvested
b) Hand picked

A

Hand picked

175
Q

Yields for Grosses Gewächs are limited to a maximum yield of
__ hL/ha with a minimum natural alcohol
content of __%.

A
  • 50 hL/ha
  • 12%
176
Q

For a wine to be Grosses Gewächs, can a winemaker just put Grosses Gewächs on the bottle and not have the wine tested, or do the wines have to pass a sensory test by a tasting commission?

A

The wines have to pass a sensory test by a
tasting commission.

WSET® Level 4 D3 Wines of the World (47 decks)

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