Germany & Austria Flashcards
Describe Germany’s climate. What is an exception to this general description
Cool Continental. Baden is somewhat warmer
Describe the weather during growing season
Summers can be wet however rain declines towards autumn during the final stages of ripening. The long cool ripening period allows the grapes to achieve sugar ripeness without losing acidity
What varies significantly year to year in Germany and what effect does this have on the wines produced
The weather conditions hence the wines vary in quality, quantity and style year to year
Where are the best vineyard located and how are the vines managed
Steep south facing slopes. Vines are head pruned, individually staked and the canes tied at the top of the stake to maximise exposure to the sun and circulation of air
What additional geographic features can help the vines achieve ripeness and avoid frost
Proximity to rivers which can reflect sunlight and the movement of water circulates air preventing frost
How are wines classified in Germany
By must weight - the amount of sugar in the grape
How is it possible for a wide range of qualtitats and pradikats wine to be made from a single vineyard
Pickers pass through the vineyard several times picking only the grapes suitable for each category of wine. Harvest may therefore span several weeks or months. Grapes can also be categorized after each picking
Pradikatswein is typically associated which grape…..Qualitatiswein is associated with which grapes
Riesling though there are also other white grapes categorized this way. Qualitatsweine can be reds or whites
What range of expressions does Riesling from Germany exhibit
From delicate and floral to rich and peachy…From bone dry to lusciously sweet.
What are many of the dry style of Riesling labelled as
Qualititsweine
What are the very best Qualitatsweines labelled as
GG Grosses Gewachs
What can Pradikatswein be considered an indicator of. Up to what level can Pradikatswein be made in a dry style
An indicator of style. Auslese
Describe Kabinett
Light bodied, high acid, apple, citrus and sometimes some RS. Sweeter styles will have ABV of 8-9%. Dry versions will have ABV up to 12%.
How might a dry Kabinett wine be sweetened after fermentation
By addition of unfermented grape juice - Sussreserve
Describe Spatlese wines and how do they differ from Kabinett
More concentrated, riper with a little more body, alcohol and likely sweetness. Citrus, peach and apricot are common aromas
Describe Auslese wines and the grapes they are made from
Richer and riper than Auslese wines. Made from individually picked extra ripe bunches of grapes. Can be dry or sweet but regardless noble rot can play a huge part in the flavor profile of the wine
What is essential for reaching the must weight required for TBA. Is this also necessary for BA
Noble rot. Not required for BA though generally it is present
What are PGI wines labelled in Germany. What are wines without a GI labelled
Landwein
Deutscherwein
How many delimited regions are there for PDO wines in Germany
13
What are the PDO categories in Germany
Qualititasweine / Pradikatswein
What information will appear on the label of a PDO wine
The region the grapes come from ( there will be only one ), If Pradikatswein the level will be displayed, very possibly the varietal.
In addition to region, varietal and pradikats level what other information might a German PDO wine label show
Sweetness - trocken ( dry ), halbtrocken or feinherb ( off dry )
Vineyard - Piesporter Goldtropfchen is from the Goldtropfchen vineyard.
What is the name of the independent body of wine growers who classify the very best DRY qualitatsweines GG. Why were they formed
Verband Deutscher Pradikatsweinguter ( VDP ). They formed because there was no legal indicator of quality for german wines ( only style )
How are Grosses Gewachs wines indicated
GG and a bunch of grapes embossed on the bottle
What is the typical flavor profile of BA and TBA
Sweet, low alcohol, honey, dried stone fruit ( apricot and peach ), candied peel and flowers.
What is the essence of Eiswein. What is done during winemaking to ensure this
Pure varietal fruit flavor. Careful selection of yeast, careful handling of the juice, avoidance of processes which might mask the fruit flavor ( MLF, new oak )
Muller Thurgau is a cross between which grapes. When was it created
Riesling and Madeline Royale. 1880s
What is another name for Muller Thurgau
Rivaner
How does MT compare with Riesling in terms of its time of ripening and acid level
Ripens earlier but has lower acid.
What kind of wines does MT produce
Attractive, floral and fruity wines rarely of a high quality
Why is MT declining
The market for med dry to med sweet Qualititswein is declining
What are the 2nd and 3rd most planted white grapes in Germany
MT and Sylvaner
Where is Sylvaner traditionally planted
Rheinhessen and Franken
How does Sylvaner compare to Riesling
Less acid and less overtly fruity but it can produce high quality wines. It is made in a dry and sweet style
What are the German names for Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. What style of wines are made from them in Germany
Grauburgunder / Rulander
Weissburgunder
Dry style
What is the 3rd most planted grape in Germany. Where is it commonly grown and what is its typical profile
Spatburgunder ( Pinot Noir )
Pfalz and Baden. Light bodied fruity to more concentrate with flavors of oak
Apart from Pinot Noir what other black grape varieties are grown
Dornfelder ( deep colored wines ), Trollinger, Portugieser, Schwarzriesling ( Meunier ). Apart from Dornfelder all typically produce light fruity wines
What is the only permitted grape for GG wines in Mosel
Riesling
What rivers run through the Mosel region
Rhein, Mosel, Saar and Ruwer
Where is Riesling production centered in Mosel and what are 3 well known villages there
Middle Mosel. Piesport, Bernkastel and Wehlen
What is the soil of Mosel and how do its wines compare to other German regions. What is it’s flavor profile
Slate. Wines are lighter, lower in alcohol and higher in acid than other regions. Flavors of green fruit and flowers dominate
Apart from the Middle Mosel where are other plantings. Describe the wines from here. What happens to grapes from these sites in especially cool vintages
Saar and Ruwer. Wines similar in style to Middle Mosel and often higher in acid due to the cooler climate of the sub region. In cool vintages the grapes do not ripen fully and are used for sparkling wines.
Where is Nahe and what are 2 villages there
Between the Mosel and Rheinhessen. Schlossbockelheim and Bad Kreusnach
How do the wines from Nahe compare with its neighbors
Similar acidity to Mosel though slightly riper due to the warmer climate. Style lies between Mosel and fuller bodied wines from Rheingau, Rheinhessen and Pfalz
Where are the vineyards of Rheingau located
On the slopes of the N bank of the Rhein (west ) and Main ( east )
What hills protect the vineyards of Rheingau…where are they in the region
Taunus Hills to the North
Where are the majority of the vineyards of Rheingau. Name 2 villages there
To the west of the region. Johannisberg and Rudesheim
What style of Riesling dominates in Rheigau. What is their flavor profile
Dry Rieslings which are full in body with ripe peach flavors
What geographic feature of Rheingau results in some of the best BA and TBA wines are made there
Humidity created by the Rhein
Around which river and which village are vineyards to the east of the Rheingau centered. How do the wines from here compare with others in the Rheingau
River Main. Hochenheim
Fulle bodied and fuller bodied due to the slightly warmer climate.
What village to the west of Rudesheim is famous for production of high quality Spateburgunder
Assmannshausen
GG wines from Rheingau can be made from what grape(s)
Riesling and Spatburgunder
What is the largest growing region in Germany
Rheinhessen
What are the 2 most widely planted grapes in Rheinhessen
MT and Riesling
What are the predominant black grapes of Rheinhessen and roughly what % of production so they make up
Spatburgunder, Dornfelder, Portugieser make up 30%
GG wines from Rheinhessen can be made from which grape(s)
Riesling and Spatburgunder
Where are the vineyards of Rheinhessen - centered around which village. What is this region referred to as
On the steeply sloping west banks of the Rhein. Village of Nierstein. Referred to as Rheinterrasse
What is produced in the area referred to as Rheinterrasse
Some of the fullest bodied Rieslings in Germany
What is an example of why Rheinhessen has gained a reputation for innovation and excellence
Growers have been producing excellent wines from areas not previously associated with grape growing. eg Worms to the South
What is the 2nd largest growing region in Germany. What can the vineyards here be considered as a continuation of
Pfalz. A continuation of the vineyards of Alsace.
Where are the vineyards of Pfalz and what mountain range influences its climate. Which mountain range are these a continuation of
80km strip to the North of the French border. The Haardt mountains to the west protect the vineyards. These are a continuation of the Vosges Mountains in Alsace.
What is the effect of the Haardt mountains on the climate of Pfalz. What can this mean for vines in hot summers
It is one of the driest regions of Germany and vines can suffer water stress in hot summers
What are the white grapes of Pfalz
Riesling, MT, grauburgunder, weissburgunder
What are the black grapes of Pfalz…what % of total production do they make up
Dornfelder ( 2nd most planted grape ), Spatburgunder and Portugieser account for 40% of grape production
GG wines from Pfalz can be made from which grapes
Riesling, Spatburgunder or Weissburgunder
Where are the vineyards of Pfalz in relation to which 2 villages which are most famous for quality vineyards. What is the area referred to as. What style of Riesling is made there
to the west of the villages of Forst and Deidesheim. Area referred to as Mittelhaardt. A riper fuller bodied Riesling generally dry.
What is the warmest and most southerly of the German wine regions. Where does it rank in terms of German wine production
Baden. 3rd largest
Where are the vineyards of Baden located. Centered around which 2 areas
A narrow strip that follows the Rhein to the Swiss border. Areas of Tuniberg and Kaiserstuhl which are opposite Colmar in Alsace
What is the most widely planted grape in Baden. Where are the best examples planted
Spatburgunder planted on the south facing slope of the Kaiserstuhl and extinct volcano.
Apart from Spatburgunder what other grapes are grown in Baden ( in order of production volume highest to lowest )
MT, Grauburgunder, Weissburgunder then Riesling
GG wines from Baden can be made from which grape(s)
A wide variety of black and white grapes
What is considered to be the most prestigious grape of Franken. When does it bud and ripen and why does this make it suitable for growing in Franken
Sylvaner is early budding and ripening so needs to avoid autumn frost. It is planted in the warmest sites meaning it can achieve a greater ripeness than anywhere else in Germany
Where are the best Sylvaner wines from Franken from. What is their profile
the South facing slopes around Wurzburg. Dry with a richness on the palate often with an earthy quality.
GG wines from Franken can be made from which grape(s)
Sylvaner, Riesling, Weissburgunder, Grauburgunder or Spatburgunder
Where are the wine regions of Austria to be found. What is the climate
In the east of the country ( the Alps dominate the west )
Climate is cool continental short summer and very harsh winter
What weather phenomena cool or heat the north and south of the Austria
North is cooled by Northerly winds….South is warmed by Easterly winds
What is the most widely planted grape of Austria and what kind of wines does it yield. What flavors can develop with age
Gruner Veltliner. produces fresh but unexciting wines if yields are too high. If yields are controlled it is capable of producing concentrated, high acid wines with citrus, stone fruit and sometimes white pepper. Develops honey and toast flavors with age
What are commonly used to ferment and store Gruners
SS and old Oak. Some producers use a proportion of new oak barriques
What is the 2nd most widely planted grape in Austria. What 2 styles of wine are made from it
Welschriesling.
Fresh dry simple wines with apple and citrus, high acid.
Botrytized sweet wines
Where do the best Austrian examples of Riesling come from and what is its profile
Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal
Dry, medium to full bodied with ripe peachy fruit. Can age
Which region in Austria has a growing reputation for Chardonnay.
Steiermark
What are the white grapes of Austria
Gruner, Welschriesling, Riesling, Chardonnay, MT, SB
Which grape is a cross between Blaufrankisch and St Laurent. What is its flavor profile
Zweigelt gives deepy colored red wines with soft tannin and bramble fruit
What is Austria’s most highly regarded black grape. What is it’s profile
Blaufrankisch. Med tannin, high acid, peppery sour cherry
Which black grape is an Austrian speciality….it is like which other wine.
St Laurent - similar to Pinot Noir. Oak aging is common
What is PGI wine labelled as in Austria. What is wine without a Gi labelled as
Landwein - Wein
How many regions in Austria qualified for PDO wine. What status are these wines given
4 federal states and 16 smaller areas
Qualitatswein or DAC ( Districtus Austriae Controllatus)
How many grape varietals are allowed in Austrian Qualitatswein. What may these wines also be labelled with ( mainly med sweet and sweet wines )
35
They may also be labelled with a Pradikat level
What are the additional Austrian Pradikat levels and where do they sit with respect to the German system
Ausbruch - between BA and TBA
Strohwein or Schilfwein ( whole bunches of grapes laid out on straw to dry over the winter )
What is required of the smaller 16 regions in order for them to apply for DAC
Agreement on a varietal, style of wine and a set of regulations to produce a wine they think best represents their region
Once a region has been awarded DAC status what does this mean in terms of the way wines from there are labelled
Only wines that conform to the DAC style can be labelled with the name of the appellation . Others that do not conform must be labelled with the name of the relevant federal state.
What international grapes are some Austrian producers blending with local red grape varietals
Pinot, Cabernet and Merlot
What are the 4 Austrian federal PDO states. Which 2 account for the majority of production
Niederostereich, Burgenland, Steiermark and Wien. The first 2.
Which is the largest Austrian PDO state in terms of production and exports. Where do most of the vineyards lie
Niderostereich
On the banks of the Danube and further North towards the Slovak border.
Into how many subregions is Niederostereich divided. Name 3. Which are DAC
8.
Wachau, Kamstal DAC, Kremstal DAC
Which subregion of Niederostereich is most renowed for its dry white wines. From which grapes. Where are these planted
Wachau. Reisling and Gruner planted on steep south facing banks of the Danube
Which area is Austria’s biggest vine growing region. Which grape(s) can it’s wines be produced from. What are the 2 levels
Weinviertel DAC. Gruner only
Klassic - light, fresh and fruity with no oak
Reserve - higher alcohol and oak is allowed
Where is Burgenland and what style of wines is it known for
To the east of Austria near the Hungarian border. Known for reds and top quality sweet wine.
White wines from Burgenland are made from which grapes
Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Gruner and Welschriesling
What is critical to the production of sweet wines from Burgenland
Neisiedlersee, a vast shallow lake provides the humidity and mists necessary for Botrytis.
Where do the best reds in Austria come from…what is the most widely planted grape here
Burgenland on higher ground away from Neisiedlersee DAC and in the hills further south. Aweigelt
Apart from Zweigelt what other reds are grown in Burgenland
Blaufrankisch, St Laurent, Pinot, Cabernet and Merlot
In Burgenland how many DACs are there for Blaufrankisch. What is the largest
3
Mittelburgenland
