Wine Law

Question 1

German wines that have the varietal listed on the label must contain how much of the stated varietal?

Answer 1

85%

Question 2

In Germany, what 2 tiers represent “quality” wine?

Answer 2

Qualitätswein

Prädikatswein

Question 3

List the different levels of Prädikatswein and the corresponding Öchsle Range.

Answer 3

Kabinett: 70-85˚

Spätlese: 80-95˚

Auslese: 88-105˚

Beerenauslese: 110-128˚

Trokenbeerenauslese: 150-154˚

Eiswein: 110-128˚

Question 4

What are the minimum alcohol requirements for Prädikatswein?

Answer 4

7% for Kabinett, Spätlese, and Auslese

5.5% for Beerenaulese, Trokenbeerenauslese, and Eiswein

Question 5

What is an Amtliche Prüfungsnummer (AP number)?

Answer 5

A series of 5 sets of numbers indicating that the wine has been approved by a tasting panel.

Question 6

What does each set of the Amtliche Prüfungsnummer represent?

Answer 6

1st set - region where the wine was tested

2nd set - commune in which the wine was bottled

3rd set - bottler’s code

4th set - unique code for bottling

5th set - year in which the application was filed

Question 7

What does VDP stand for?

Answer 7

Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter

Question 8

What is the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter?

Answer 8

A national German association of producers committed to top quality.

Question 9

Prior to 2012, what was the top teir of the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter?

Answer 9

Erste Lage

“First Site”

Question 10

Today, what are the 4 tiers, and corresponding maximum yields, of the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter classification system?

Answer 10

Grosse Lage: “Grand Cru” (max 50 hl/ha)

Erste Lage: “Premier Cru” (max 60 hl/ha)

Ortswein: “Village” (max 75 hl/ha)

Gutswein: “Regional” (max 75 hl/ha)

Question 11

In the VDP classification system of Germany, what does the following logo mean?

Answer 11

Grosses Gewächs

It indicates a dry wine.

Question 12

In the VDP classification system of Germany, how is a wine indicated as dry on the label?

Answer 12

GG

Question 13

Prior to 2012 the top tier of the the VDP classification system of Germany was known as Erste Lage. How was this indicated on the label?

Answer 13

A specialized logo was used with a “1” followed by a cluster of grapes.

Question 14

In the VDP classification system of Germany what does the following logo mean?

Answer 14

That the wine represents the top tier of Grosse Lage.

(Prior to 2012, Erste Lage)

Question 15

What does this logo mean if found on a bottle of German wine?

Answer 15

The wine was produced by an estate that is a member of the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter.

Question 21

In the VDP classification system, dry wines are labeled as “GG”. How are sweet wines labeled?

Answer 21

They are labeled by prädikat.

Question 22

In the VDP classification system dry wines are labeled “GG” and not Grosses Gewächs. Why?

Answer 22

Grosses Gewächs is considered trocken by German wine law and is barred from appearing on the labels.

Question 23

In the VDP classification system, dry wines of Rheigau frequently carry what alternative to “GG” on the label?

Answer 23

Erstes Gewächs

A legally authorized term that may be spelled out in full on the label.

Question 24

What are the 2 tiers of the state-afilliated German Wine Institute?

Answer 24

Classic

and

Selection

Question 25

Describe “Classic” wines according to the German Wine Institute.

Answer 25

They are “harmoniously dry” with a maximum RS content of 15g/l. They are single varietal wines and show higher minimum alcohol content of 12% (11.5% in Mosel).

Question 26

Describe “Selection” wines according to the German Wine Institute.

Answer 26

Selection wine are “superior dry” with a maximum RS content of 9g/l (12g/l for Riesling). They are single vineyard wines from a single variety and the must weight at harvest must be equivalent to Auslese.