Germany Flashcards
How does Germany’s cool climate influence its wines?
Wines are high acidity, light-bodied and lower in alcohol.
What role do rivers like the Mosel play in viticulture?
They reflect sunlight to warm the vineyards and aid in ripening.
What does Qualitätswein mean in German wine classification?
Basic quality wine from one of the 13 wine growing regions.
Name three ripeness levels under Prädikatswein.
- Kabinett
- Spätlese
- Auslese
- Beerenauslese
- Trockenbeerenauslese
What is Eiswein, and how is it produced?
Eiswein is a sweet, dessert wine made from frozen, very ripe grapes. The grapes are pressed while frozen, separating the concentrated, high-acid, high-sugar juice from the frozen water in the grapes. The grapes must be frozen naturally on the vine.
Which region is known for high-acid Rieslings with slate minerality?
Mosel.
Name two key villages in the Mosel region.
Urzig
Piesport
What grape varietal dominates the Rheingau and Mosel regions?
Riesling.
Which grape varietal is a crossing of Riesling and Madeleine Royale?
Muller-Thurgau.
What type of wine is Sekt?
Sparkling wine.
What does Einzellage refer to in German wine production?
Single vineyard wine.
What is the difference between Grosse Lage and Erste Lage?
Grosse is the Grand Cru, Erste is the Premier Cru.
Which region is known for producing Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir)?
Rheingau and Pfalz.
What is the significance of slate soils in Mosel?
Good drainage and excellent heat retention to help ripen the grapes.
What does ‘Trocken’ indicate on a German wine label?
Dry, less than 9g residual sugar.
How is Beerenauslese different from Spätlese?
A sweet wine affected by botrytis, while Spätlese is a late harvest wine that can be dry or off-dry.
What is the meaning of Grosslage?
Grouping of vineyards from which a wine is produced.
Which German wine pairs best with blue cheese?
Auslese.
What are ideal food pairings for Riesling Kabinett?
Spicy Asian dishes and seafood.
Name two regions producing fuller-bodied wines in Germany.
- Pfalz
- Why: Warm, sunny climate in the rain shadow of the Haardt Mountains
- Style: Riper, more full-bodied Rieslings and excellent Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir)
- Rheinhessen
- Why: Especially in areas like the Rheinterrasse, soils and sun exposure contribute to richer styles
- Style: Fuller-bodied, dry Rieslings and increasingly high-quality Silvaner and Pinot varieties.
