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WSET D3 from Sarah > Germany > Flashcards

Germany Flashcards

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1
Q

Which German wine region is NOT in EU Climatic zone A?

A

Baden in Southern Germany

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2
Q

What is Deutscher Tafelwein?

A

The lowest classification of German table wine. One of four designated regions, must state region of production on the label

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3
Q

What is Landwein?

A

Equivalent of the French Vin de Pays system. Seventeen areas that must be displayed on the label. The wine must be trocken or halbtrocken

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4
Q

How much German wine is Deutscher Tafelwein or Landwein?

A

Just 5% of the total German production comes from Deutscher Tafelwein or Landwein.

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5
Q

What are the two categories of QWPSR (Quality Wine produces within a specific region)?

A

Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebeite (QbA) + Prädikatswein (QbP)

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6
Q

What is Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete (QbA)?

A

A category of QWPSR (Quality wine produced within a specific region).
Wine produced from 13 Anbaugebiete with blending from other regions forbidden. Label must state the region plus the style of wine. Chapitalisation (where the final alcoholic strength of a wine is increased by the addition of sugar to the grape juice or must) is permitted.

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7
Q

What is Prädikatswein?

A

A category of QWPSR (Quality wine produced within a specific region) with special attributes. From the 13 Anbaugebiete and from a single Bereich (district) within the Anbaugebiete. Chapitalisation is not allowed but sweetening with süssreserve is permitted. Wines are further classified on the amount of sugar the must (not finished wine) contains.

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8
Q

What have been the biggest historical impacts on German wine?

A
  • Wine country since roman times.
  • French Revolution - last 1800s saw German wine regions falling to the French - then subject to Napoleonic inheritance laws, average holding now 1.3ha and Co-Ops important.
  • Depression in early 1900a saw a decline in vineyard area
  • Disease and pests (Downey Mildew & Phylloxera
  • Wars (WWII) had an extreme negative impact on exports
  • Flubereinigung - 1950s restructure
  • 1971 wine laws value must weight as quality
  • Rise of Leibfraumilch
  • move towards terroir and dry styles - Classic, Selection, Grosses Gewächs
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9
Q

What is an Einzellage?

A

German wine term for an individual vineyard site, similar in classification to a French premier cru or grand cru. Quality of these wines is very high with individual vineyard nuances.

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10
Q

What is a Grosslage?

A

German wine term for a group of adjoining vineyards. Groupings can be misleading. Often named after the top village in the group, leading to some excellent reputation vineyards being grouped with some vineyards producing substantially more average wine.

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11
Q

What is a Bereich?

A

A German wine term for a group of several communes within a quality region. One or more within a region. Can be confusing as a town can give its name to a Bereich, Grosslage or an Einzellage.

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12
Q

What is an Anbaugebiet?

A

A German wine term for a quality region of which there are 13. 85% of the wine must come from the specified region of a Bereich, Grosslage or Einzellage is specified on the label.
Examples are Mosel, Rheinhessen, Rheingau and Pfalz

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13
Q

What are the 13 Quality Wine Regions (Anbaugebeite) in Germany?

A
  1. Mosel
  2. Nahe
  3. Rheingau
  4. Rhienhessen
  5. Pfalz
  6. Baden
  7. Ahr
  8. Mittelrhein
  9. Hessische Bergstrasse
  10. Franken
  11. Württemburg
  12. Sachen
  13. Saale-Unstrut
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14
Q

What are the six different styles of Prädikatswein?

A
  1. Kabinett
  2. Spätlese
  3. Auslese
  4. Beerenauslese (BA)
  5. Eiswein
  6. Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA)
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15
Q

What is a Kabinett?

A

A style of German Prädikatswein.

It is a delicate Riesling, light bodied, crisp acidity and flavours of green apple or citrus fruit.
It is the lightest must weight, can be dry through to medium sweetness

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16
Q

What is a Spätlese?

A

A style of German Prädikatswein.
A late harvest wine with more body, concentration and robust flavours than Kabinett.
Grapes are picked with a higher level of sugar than Kabinett.
Finished wine of similar sweetness to Kabinett - dry through to medium sweetness.

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17
Q

What is Auslese?

A

A style of German Prädikatswein.
Hand selected bunches of extra ripe grapes.
Large range of styles produced, off dry through to sweet.
Harvested at the same time as Kabinett and Spätlese, but separated in the vineyard for special treatment.

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18
Q

What is Beerenauslese (BA)?

A

A style of German Prädikatswein.

Made from individually selected grapes affected with noble rot. The sweet wine produced is rare and expensive.

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19
Q

What does BA stand for in relation to German wine?

A

Beerenauslese

A style of Prädikatswein made from individually selected grapes affected with noble rot.

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20
Q

What does QWPSR stand for in relation to German wine?

A

Quality Wine Produced Within a Specific Region

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21
Q

What does QbA stand for in relation to German wine?

A

Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete QbA
A category of QWPSR (Quality Wine produces within a specific region)

Wine produced from 13 Anbaugebiete with blending from other regions forbidden. Label must state the region plus the style of the wine

Liebfraumilch is a QbA

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22
Q

What is the minimum must weight /potential alcohol for a Kabinett Riesling in Mosel?

A

67• Oechsle / 8.6%

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23
Q

What is the Oechsle / minimum potential alcohol for a Spätlese Riesling from the Mosel?

A

76 Oechsle / 10% abv

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24
Q

What is the minimum Oechsle / potential alcohol for a Auslese Riesling from Mosel?

A

83 Oechsle / 11.1%

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25
Q

What is the minimum Oechsle / potential alcohol for a Beerenauslese from Mosel?

A

110 Oechsle / 15.3%

The same as Eiswein but Eiswein is produced from naturally frozen grapes

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26
Q

What is the minimum Oechsle / potential alcohol for a Eiswein from Mosel?

A

110 Oechsle / 15.3% abv

The same as for a Beerenauslese

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27
Q

What is the minimum Oechsle / potential alcohol for a Trockenbeerenauslese from Mosel?

A

150 Oechsle/ 21.5%

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28
Q

What is the minimum Oechsle / potential alcohol for a Kabinett Spätburgunder from Baden?

A

85 Oechsle /11.4%

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29
Q

What is the minimum Oechsle / potential alcohol for a Spätlese Spätburgunder from Baden?

A

95 Oechsle /13%

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30
Q

What is the minimum Oechsle / potential alcohol for an Auslese Spätburgunder from Baden?

A

105 Oechsle / 14.5%

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31
Q

What is the minimum Oechsle / potential alcohol for a Beerenauslese Spätburgunder from Baden?

A

128 Oechsle / 18.1%

The same for Eiswein

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32
Q

What is the minimum Oechsle / potential alcohol for a Trockenbeerenauslese Spätburgunder from Baden?

A

154 Oechsle / 22.1%

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33
Q

What is an Eiswein?

A

A German style of Prädikatswein.
Usually equivalent sugar levels to Beerenauslese.
Grapes picked at temperatures lower than -8C which freezes the water in the grapes, concentrating the sugars. Ice crystals subsequently removed at pressing.

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34
Q

What is a Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA)?

A

A German style of Prädikatswein.
Rare and expensive. Minute quantities are produced from individually selected grapes affected by a high degree of noble rot that have become shrivelled. Minimum potential alcohol of 21.5% but will be balanced by high levels of acidity.

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35
Q

What does the term ‘Classic’ mean in relation to German wine?

A

Wine from a specific region, must weight 1% abv higher than minimum for a particular variety and category. At least 12% (or 11.5% in the Mosel) alcohol with a maximum of 15g/L residual sugar.
Region, variety and the word ‘Classic’ must appear on the label. Trocken and Halbtrocken are not permitted on the label.

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36
Q

What does the term ‘Selection’ mean in relation to German wine?

A

Grapes must come from an Einzellage (individual vineyard site).
Must weight of at least 90• Oechsle or Auslese levels of ripeness.
60 hl/ha maximum yield
Must be hand harvested
Maximum 12g/L residual sugar
Region, variety, vintage and the word ‘Selection’ must appear on the label
Trocken and Halbtrocken are not permitted on the label

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37
Q

What does Liebfraumilch mean on a label?

A

A German wine produced only in Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Rheingau or Nahe.
Rhienhessen and Pfalz the most important producers.
Blending across the region not permitted.
Must contain at least 18g/L residual sugar and be of QbA quality
Label states the region of production only

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38
Q

What is Riesling Hochgewächs?

A

A German wine term for a QbA Riesling with a must weight of at least 10• Oechsle above the minimum for QbA

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39
Q

What does VDP stand for in relation to German wine?

A

Verband Deustscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP) the most influential and prestigious German grower’ association incorporating 200 of the finest wine estates in Germany

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40
Q

What is Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP)?

A

It is the most influential and prestigious German wine growers association representing the top 200 estates.
Members represent only 3.5% of Germany’s total vineyard area but a remarkable proportion of its finest wines.

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41
Q

What 6 things must members do to be part of German’s VDP?

A
  1. Members must have holdings in the top vineyard sites
  2. produce lower yields and higher must weights than is required by German law 3. plant at least 80% of their vineyards with varieties traditionally associated with their region
  3. practice environmentally sound methods
  4. submit to regular inspections (at least every 5 years).
  5. Members labels must carry the VDP name and logo, an eagle and grape cluster.
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42
Q

What is a Grosse Lage in relation to German wine?

A

A German equivalent to a Grand Cru.

It is a four tiered alternative terroir driven classification for top white and red dry wines Created by the VDP, top growers association.

Gross Lage (Grand Cru)
Erste Lage ( Premier Cru)
Ortswein (Village wine)
Gutswein (Estate wine)

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43
Q

What is an Erste Lage, in relation to German wine?

A

A German equivalent to a Premier Cru.

It is a four tiered alternative terroir driven classification for top white and red dry wines Created by the VDP, top growers association.

Gross Lage (Grand Cru)
Erste Lage ( Premier Cru)
Ortswein (Village wine)
Gutswein (Estate wine)

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44
Q

What is an Ortswein in relation to German wine?

A

A German equivalent to a Village wine.

It is a four tiered alternative terroir driven classification for top white and red dry wines Created by the VDP, top growers association.

Gross Lage (Grand Cru)
Erste Lage ( Premier Cru)
Ortswein (Village wine)
Gutswein (Estate wine)

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45
Q

What is a Gutswein in relation to German wine?

A

A German equivalent to an estate wine.

It is a four tiered alternative terroir driven classification for top white and red dry wines Created by the VDP, top growers association.

Gross Lage (Grand Cru)
Erste Lage ( Premier Cru)
Ortswein (Village wine)
Gutswein (Estate wine)

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46
Q

What is a Grosses Gewächs in relation to German wine?

A

A dry wine of a Grosse Lage (Grand Cru) and labelled Qualitätswein trocken.

It is a four tiered alternative terroir driven classification for top white and red dry wines Created by the VDP, top growers association.

Gross Lage (Grand Cru)
Erste Lage ( Premier Cru)
Ortswein (Village wine)
Gutswein (Estate wine)

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47
Q

What is an Erste Gewächs in relation to German wine?

A

A dry Riesling or Pinot Noir from a Grand Cru Einzellagan in Rheingau only.

Known as Grosses Gewächs in Mosel and the other Anbaugebiete

48
Q

What is the criteria for a Grosses Gewächs (or Ertes Gewächs in Rheingau)?

A
  1. From a Grand Cru (Grosse Lage) Einzellegan
  2. Vine must be planted in optimal soil and climatic conditions for viticulture
  3. Only Riesling and Pinot Noir are permitted
  4. 50 hl/ha maximum yield of fruit
  5. Hand harvesting only
  6. Grapes must be ripened to 83• Oechsle and 90• for Riesling and Pinot Noir respectively
  7. Wines must pass a stringent sensory evaluation
  8. Label must state site, vintage, grape variety, and logo Grosses Gewächs or Estes Gewächs logo
  9. Cannot be released for sale before 1st September folllowing harvest
49
Q

5 key facts for Mosel wines

A
  1. Mosel is in one of 13 German Angaugebietes.
  2. Covers the Mosel Valley where it joins the Rhine and the tributaries Saar and Ruwer (until recently the region was named Mosel-Saar-Ruwer)
  3. Riesling grown on steep slate soils from Mosel are among German’s best wines
  4. Finest Einzellagen (individual vineyard sites) surround the villages of Piesport, Brauneberg, Bernkastel, Graach, Ürzig and Erden producing wines at all Prädikat levels
  5. Mosel Riesling is delicate, Saar and Ruwer have steelier acidity and are more robust
50
Q

5 Key facts about Nahe

A
  1. One of 13 German Quality Wine Regions (Anbaugebiete)
  2. Located west of the Rhine and south of the Mosel
  3. Protected by the Hunsrück mountains.
  4. Müller-Thurgau and Silvaner are grown on sandy loam in the north.
  5. Riesling grown around Schlossböckelheim and Bad Kreuznach produces delicate wines with pineapple aromas on porphyry, quartz and coloured sandstone souls
51
Q

8 Key facts about Rheingau

A
  1. One of 13 Anbaugebiete Quality wine regions in Germany.
  2. North bank of the Rhine facing south, protected by the Taunus mountains, optimal conditions for ripening the grapes.
  3. Soils of slate, loess and loam on slopes, sandy loam in the valley
  4. Dark soil of slate absorbs daytime heat and provides warmth at night
  5. Suits Riesling, accounts for 80% of plantings
  6. Well known and best vineyards found around Assmanshausen (also known for quality Spätburgunder production), Rüdeshein, Geisenheim, Johannisberg, Winkel, Ostrich and Hochheim
  7. Balanced, elegant and fruity wines from hill sites
  8. Riesling with more body and richness from the flat sites
52
Q

Where are the best vineyards in the Rheingau?

A

Well known and best vineyards found around Assmanshausen (also known for quality Spätburgunder production), Rüdeshein, Geisenheim, Johannisberg, Winkel, Ostrich and Hochheim

53
Q

Where are the best vineyards in Mosel?

A

Finest Einzellagen (individual vineyard sites) surround the villages of Piesport, Brauneberg, Bernkastel, Graach, Ürzig and Erden producing wines at all Prädikat levels

54
Q

What warms the vineyards of the Rheingau at night?

A

The dark slate soil which absorbs the daytime heat

55
Q

What is the difference between Riesling grown on hill sites vs flat sites in Rheingau?

A
  • Balanced, elegant and fruity wines from hill sites

- Riesling with more body and richness from the flat sites

56
Q

What is the soil in the Mosel?

A

Slate soils

57
Q

Key facts about Rheinhessen

A
  1. One of 13 Anbaugebiete (Quality Wine Regions in Germany)
  2. Terraces over the Rhine near Nierstein and Oppenheimer can produce very high quality Riesling’s
  3. Much of the rest of the region produces Liebfraumilch and other bland medium sweet Grosslage (group of adjoining vineyards) wines
  4. Largest area under vine in Germany
  5. As more land is turned to grape growing quality of the region is decreasing
  6. No dominant grape variety, Müller-Thursday and Silvaner are most common.
  7. Large percentage of Co-op cellars
58
Q

Where is Liebfraumilch made?

A

A German wine produced only in Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Rheingau or Nahe.
Rhienhessen and Pfalz the most important producers.
Blending across the region not permitted.

59
Q

Key facts Pfalz

A
  1. One of 13 Anbaugebiete (Quality Wine Regions)
  2. Shelter, sun and low rainfall provided by Haardt Moutain Range
  3. 80km South of Rheingau, mild winters and warm summers produce fine reds and fuller bodied whites.
  4. Exciting region due to experimentation and quantity of production (2nd most important region by volume)
  5. Soil predominantly sandstone
  6. Main grapes are Spätburgunder, Müller-Thurgau, Riesling and Kerner
  7. Main quality villages are Bad Dürkheim, Forst Deidesheim and Ruppertsberg
60
Q

What are the key grapes grown in Pfalz, Germany.

A

Main grapes are Spätburgunder, Müller-Thurgau, Riesling and
Kerner
Black varieties account for ~40% of plantings

61
Q

Key facts Baden

A
  1. One of 13 German Anbaugebiete (Quality Wine Regions)
  2. Southerly region on the east bank of the Rhine from Heidelberg to Basel and north shore of Lake Constance
  3. Predominant grapes are Spätburgunder, Müller-Thurgau and Grauburgunder
  4. Outstanding wines found between Frieberg and the Rhein where the slopes of an extinct volcano create a suntrap and are mineral rich.
  5. Kaiserstuhl (Emperor’s Seat) Spätburgunder is full bodied and fruity and in strong demand at high prices
  6. This is German’s warmest wine region and the only one in EU wine growing zone B rather than A
  7. Dominated by Co-OPs which handle 85% of production
62
Q

What is the Geisenheim?

A

The research institute located in the Rheingau which has played a major role in developing varieties to suit the marginal German climate. It is here that Hermann Müller developed Müller-Thurgau

63
Q

What is Riesling?

A
  1. White grape variety
  2. German’s most planted variety, a quarter of all plantings
  3. Late ripening and hardy, ideal for late harvest wines
  4. High levels of acidity and good ageing potential
  5. Floral, citrus and stone fruit when young
  6. Developing petrol hints with age
  7. Parent variety of many crossings developed such as Müller-Thurgau (Riesling x Madeleine Royale) and Scheurebe (Silvaner x Riesling)
64
Q

What is Müller-Thurgau?

A
  1. White grape variety
  2. Crossing of Riesling x Madeleine Royale
  3. Developed in late 1880s by the Swiss, Hermann Müller at Geisenheim, Germany
  4. Early ripening with high yields
  5. Prone to rot and frost damage
  6. Used predominantly in Liebfraumilch
  7. Also known as Rivaner
65
Q

What is Silvaner?

A
  1. A white grape variety grown in Germany
  2. Plantings declining, now found in regions where it has been traditionally strong such as Franken
  3. Wines are low in acidity and have neutral fruit
66
Q

What is Scheurebe?

A
  1. A white grape variety found in Germany
  2. Crossing of Silvaner x Riesling
  3. Strong grapefruit aromas when fully ripe, suitable for sweet wines
67
Q

What is Spätburgunder?

A
  1. The German name for Pinot Noir
  2. Red grape variety
  3. Late ripening grape producing full bodied, fruity wines
  4. Predominant in warmer southern vineyards of Pfalz and Baden
  5. Plantings have increased as Germany is having success with international quality barrel aged Spätburgunder
68
Q

What is Dornfelder?

A
  1. A result of a crossing in 1955 between two Vinfera crossed parent vines
  2. The grape is deeply pigmented resulting in a deep coloured wine
  3. Perceived to have great potential and also capable of producing high yields
  4. Grown in Germany & England
69
Q

What is a crossing?

A

A crossing of two different Vinifera grapes. Much research has been conducted into crossings in Germany; these are now in decline as they have become unfashionable

70
Q

International varieties in Germany

A

Aside from Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) Syrah & Cab Sauvignon are minimally planted. Chardonnay is planted in approx 650 ha.

71
Q

Topography/Viticulture in Germany

A

There is differing topography throughout German wine regions, therefore widely different styles of viticulture.

Higher quality wine on steep slopes in the river valleys. Close planted terraced vineyards with work done by hand and little access for equipment. Production costs are high leading to a high price for labour intensive styles.

Moderate to low quality wine in valley bottoms and plains. Wire trained, rows up to 3m apart to allow mechanisation. Emphasis on higher yields and simple, easy drinking styles.

72
Q

Harvest time in Germany

A
  1. Official vintage start date announced by local trade organisation
  2. Vineyards are closed to all (including owner) in days leading up to harvest
  3. Weather depending, viticulturists may leave grapes on vine to achieve a higher Prädikatswein rating but will take into consideration sugar/acidity balance, general grape health and presence/absence of noble rot
73
Q

Must weights in Germany

A

Minimum must weights for Prädikatswein vary from region to region and by variety. Mosel Riesling Kabinett must achieve 70•Oe but a Baden Riesling Kabinett must be 76•Oe

74
Q

Yield controls in Germany

A

From 1990 yield controls have been in place. There are three methods of control:

  1. By grape variety as practised in the Mosel. Different yields for different varieties
  2. By quality category in the Rheinhessen QbA and Prädikatswein have a permitted yield of 105 hl/ha and Deutscher Tafelwein Wein is 135hl/ha
  3. By region, other regions have individual hl/ha yield limitations

The above limitations apply to grapes turned into wine, not actual harvest yields. Surplus wine must be distilled into industrial alcohol within one year

75
Q

What is a Stück? In relation to German wine?

A

The name in Rheingau for traditional large wood casks for fermentation

76
Q

What is a Fuder in relation to German wine?

A

The name in Mosel for traditional large wood casks for fermentation

77
Q

Is Chapitalisation and mist enrichment allowed for German wines?

A

Yes Chapitalisation and must enrichment is permitted for all wines up to (but not including) Prädikatswein level. Up to 4.5% abv may be added in northern regions in exceptional years

78
Q

How much Chapitalisation is permitted for German wines?

A

Up to 4.5% abv May be added in northern regions in exceptional years for wines up to but not including Prädikatswein level

79
Q

How much of German wine is made by Co-Ops?

A

75%

80
Q

What does Guts - or Erzeugerabüllung mean in relation to German wine?

A

Estate- or producer bottled

81
Q

Is addition of süssreserve allowed for quality wine in Germany?

A

Yes süssreserve is permitted for all quality levels including Prädikatswein. It is added before bottling. Most wines are fermented as dry as possible to make them as stable as possible for storage.

82
Q

Is de-acidification permitted for German wines?

A

Yes de-acidication is permitted by the addition of calcium carbonate.

83
Q

What is the difference between Chapitalisation and the addition of süssreserve?

A

Chaptalisation is a must treatment, aimed to increase the final alcoholic strength of the wine. Sweetening is a post-fermentation (pre-bottling in many cases) procedure aimed to create a sweet style of wine.

84
Q

What is Flurbereinigung, in relation to German wine?

A

German’s great wine restructuring programme. Land consolidation. Many of the slopes on which German’s finest wines have been produced where relatively inaccessible, uneconomically steep, often terraced. With national and local government support more than half the landscape developed to viticulture in western Germany has been physically reshaped with improvements to access, drainage and workability. In some cases land has been reallocated between individual owners to lower their production costs.

85
Q

What percentage of German exports did Liebfraumilch account for in the 1950s?

A

A whopping 60%

Key brands were Madonna, Blue Nun and Black Tower

86
Q

What is the minimum level of residual sugar permitted for a Liebfraumilch?

A

At least 18g/L residual sugar

87
Q

Where was the first monoculture of Riesling planted?

A

At Schloss Johannisberg in 1720 in the Rheingau, Germany

88
Q

What are the top five grapes grown in Germany?

A
  1. Riesling
  2. Müller-Thurgau
  3. Pinot Noir
  4. Dornfelder
  5. Silvaner
89
Q

What is the most planted variety in Germany?

A

Riesling

90
Q

Why did German wines go from dryish to noticeable sweet after WW1?

A

Western world developed a greater taste for sugar as it became cheaper and more available

Wartime generations who experienced severe sugar rations stoked a thirst for sweeter wines

Sugar works well to balance acidity in Riesling

91
Q

What does Grosse Gewächs mean?

A

‘Great Growths’ abbreviated as GG

These are the equivalent of Burgundy’s Grand Crus, the top wines from top sites

GG Riesling’s are now Germany’s most celebrated and serious Rieslings especially in the US

92
Q

What is does ‘Trockenwelle’ mean?

A

It translates as ‘dry wave’ and explains the trend towards drier wines as a counter measure to the overwhelming success of medium sweet wines like Blue Nun.

93
Q

What is Süssreserve?

A
  1. German term for sweet reserve
  2. Sweetening agent much used especially during 1970s and 1980s for all but the finest or driest German wines
  3. Use is declining for to increased trend towards drier wines and better producers of off dry or medium wines prefer to stop fermentation while there is some residual sugar rather than add unfermented juice
94
Q

What latitude is The Mosel at?

A

51•

95
Q

How do winemakers in Mosel train their vines?

A

They often individually stalk the vines and train the vine in a bow shape (Bogrebenerziehung)after 1900 large estates includes wire train

96
Q

How many man hours is required to cultivate one hectare on the Mosel and how does that compare to the flatter Pfalz region?

A

1500 man hours

The flatter Pfalz is less than half of this

97
Q

What are the advantages of individual vine trellising?

A

On steep slopes it provides grapes with good light and aeration

Allows works to better traverse the dangerous slopes

98
Q

Which two German wine regions have a tradition of nobly sweet Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese and Ice Wein?

A

Mosel and Rheingau

99
Q

How long can German Riesling last?

A

Decades of ageing

100
Q

How long does growing season last in Mosel?

A

Around 120-140 days. Usually growing season is 100 days más o menos

Bud break on Mosel is mid April and ripening in early September. The season lasts between 120-140 days.

From the ripening period to the start of harvest at the end of October is another 50-60 days

101
Q

What is the alcoholic strength of Mosel Riesling?

A

Often less than 10%

102
Q

Who decreed in 1786 that Riesling should be planted in greater quantities and why?

A

Clemens Wenzeslaus the last Prince Bishop of the holy Roman Electorate

As it was highly suited to the soil and climatic conditions of the Mosel and promised profitability

103
Q

When did Riesling start to dominate the vineyards of the Mosel?

A

Early 20th Century

88% of Mosel vineyards were planted with Riesling whilst the previously dominant Elbling grape maintained a share of about 10% along the upper Mosel

104
Q

Did Phylloxera hit the Mosel?

A

Yes vines were widely replanted with disease resistant rootstocks

But utter catastrophe was avoided and to this day many Mosel vineyards remain planted in their own rootstocks

105
Q

What happened during the ‘gold rush’ in the Mosel during the 1970s?

A

Vineyards were extended to the side valleys of the Mosel including many areas unsuitable for viticulture

Quality in the region decreased, damaging the reputation of the region which became known for sugared water

106
Q

What is the second most planted variety in Mosel after Riesling?

A

Muller-Thurgau

107
Q

When was the VDP founded?

A

1910

108
Q

What percentage of production are tart and sweet wines in Mosel?

A

~60%

Dry and half dry account for the remaining 40%

109
Q

How much of Mosel’s wines leaves Germany?

A

Approx a third

Mostly exported to UK, US, Netherlands, Scandinavia and Japan

110
Q

What is the climate in Mosel?

A

Maritime - moderately cold winters and pleasantly warm summers

Temperature swings are modest

111
Q

What is Devonian slate and where is it found?

A

A blue slate found in the Mosel

112
Q

How does slate moderate temperature?

A

It absorbs heat from sun doing the day and overnight gradually releases the warmth stored

113
Q

How deep are vine roots in Mosel?

A

1m

114
Q

What was not allowed to be grown in Germany during the Nazi era?

A

French grapes like Pinot Noir

115
Q

What German grape is not officially allowed in France but is found in Alsace?

A

Riesling

WSET D3 from Sarah (41 decks)

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