Grapes and wines of Germany Flashcards
Describe the climate of Germany and its impacts on grape growing
Most of the regions can a cool continental climate, although the far south is noticeably warmer i.e. Baden.
Summers can be wet, but rain generally declines in autumn during the final stage of ripening
Long cool ripening period gives grapes time to reach sugar ripeness while retaining their acidity
Botrytis can develop in the right conditions, and botrytis affected sweet wines can be made in every German region
Annual weather varies considerably, leads to significant variation in quality, quantity, styles of wine made each year
Small differences in vineyard location therefore make significant differences in wine quality
Describe vineyard layouts with respect to wine quality
Best sites are on steep slopes which are usually stony with a southerly aspect, maximising available heat and sunlight.
Where vineyards are located near a river, reflected sunlight also helps grapes to ripen, and air movement created by flowing water can help protect against frosts
Describe typical vineyard management practices for the better vineyard sites
Because they lie on steep slopes, most sites have to be worked by hand, and in the most extreme slopes equipment has to be manoeuvered into place by winches
Vines are head-pruned, individually staked and canes tied at the top of the stake to maximise grape exposure to light and circulation of air
Harvest will involve passing through the vineyard several times to ensure the ideal grapes have been picked for the correct category of wine. Additional grape sorting can take place after too
Note because wines are classified by grape must, harvest can extend over weeks and months
List the Prädikatswein categories in order from lowest to highest must weight at harvest, with corresponding sweetness levels
Kabinett - dry to medium sweet Spätlese - dry to medium sweet Auslese - dry to sweet Beerenauslese (BA) - sweet only Eiswein - sweet only Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA) - sweet only
What sweetness range can a Qualitätswein be?
Dry to medium sweet
What appellation rules are associated with Prädikatswein?
Prädikat level appears on the label. Varietal labelling is common, and may also include indicators of sweetness e.g. Halbtrocken (off-dry to medium)/Feinherb (no legal definition) or trocken (dry)
Also vineyard location is commonly stated via village + vineyard. Usually means it comes from a single village, but not always the case for lower quality wines.
What do Qualitätswein and Prädikatswein categories fall short on describing? How do producers overcome this?
Quality.
An independent group of German wine producers called Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP) classified vineyards via the term Grosses Gewächs (GG) - typically only seen on dry Qualitätswein labels with a grape bunch embossed on the neck. Varieties permitted by VDP vary by region, but note this is not part of German wine law.
These are still a good indicator of quality.
Describe a typical riesling Kabinett with associated winemaking techniques
Light body
high acidity
Flavours of green apple or citrus fruit, often balanced with some residual sweetness. Note sweeter styles have lower alcohol i.e. 8-9%, drier styles have higher alcohol i.e. 12% abv
Can sweeten wines after fermentation using Süssreserve, but not for high quality wines
Best sweet styles made by stopping fermentation early (better sugar/acid balance)
Describe a typical riesling Spätlese
Made in the same way as Kabinett, but more concentrated, riper, have a little more body, alcohol, and sweetness where relevant
Citrus and stone fruit aromas (peach or apricot)
Describe a typical riesling Auslese
Made from individually selected extra ripe bunches of grapes. Can be dry or sweet, but are richer and riper compared to Spätlese wines from same region. Noble rot can play an important part in the flavour profile
Describe a typical BA and TBA
Noble rot essential for must weights for TBA, not essential for BA. Noble rot is typical, however.
Not necessarily made every year, with considerable variation in volume
Sweet, low alcohol, flavours of honey, dried stone fruit, candied peel, flowers. Can be some of the best sweet wines in the world.
Describe a typical Eiswein with typical winemaking practice
Very rare. NO Noble rot
Focus on varietal purity. Very fine balance between acidity and sweetness.
Can seek to maintain varietal flavours, careful selection of yeast, careful handling of juice, avoiding processes that mask grape flavours such as MLF or new oak
What other white grape varieties are used in Germany? List characteristics
Müller-Thurgau (Rivaner) (Madeleine Royale X Riesling) -doesn’t have the same high level of acidity and flavour intensity, but can produce an attractive floral and fruity wine. Rarely produces high quality wine in Germany.
Declining market for medium-sweet Qualitatswein from Muller-Thurgau
Silvaner - Dry and sweet styles, wines are less acidity and less fruity than Riesling, sometimes has earthy quality. Can produce high-quality wines
Grauburgunder/Ruländer (Pinot Gris) and Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc) are typically made in dry styles
What black varieties are used in Germany? List characteristics
Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) - Dry, relatively light and fruity, can be made more concentrated with oak aromas
Dornfelder - deeply coloured
Portugieser, Trollinger, Schwarzriesling = typically light bodied, fruity, but some intensely-coloured and flavoured examples with some oak character exist.
Most of these wines are sold as Qualitatsweine
Describe the vineyard landscape of Middle Mosel
Best vineyards are on very steep slopes with slate soils next to the River Mosel. Other vineyards are planted around the Saar and Ruwer tributaries, which are cooler regions.
Describe a typical Mosel wine
Riesling (only permitted variety for GG)
Lighter in body, lower in alcohol, higher acidity compared to Rheingau, Rheinhessen, Pfalz
Floral and green fruit flavours
List the key villages of Middle Mosel
Piesport
Bernkastel
Wehlen
Describe the Saar and Ruwer Riesling styles
Higher acidity than Middle Mosel, but similar style. Used in sparkling wine production in the coolest vintages.
List the key villages of Nahe
Schlossböckelheim
Bad Kreuznach
