How to Read a German Wine Label

How to Read a German Wine Label

Due to the wine law of 1971, German wine labels are very confusing, and at times misleading. The law does not classify the vineyards as do the French; rather the law specifies exactly the degree of sugar the grapes should contain to qualify for each quality grade. So in theory, all a grower has to do to make the highest quality wine is to grow the ripest grapes, even if the grape varieties are inferior. No emphasis is given to vineyard location like in France, but change is on the way.

The VDP has been instrumental in pushing the German government to classify the vineyard sites, and they have even come up with their own "unofficial" classification of the best vineyards. They have also pioneered a simplified labeling system, emphasizing the producer, vineyard, and varietal. Most quality producers are now stressing the information that is most important to the consumer, and including formal information on the back label or in small print.

German wine classification is basically divided into two categories:

1. Wines in which sugar must be added to increase the alcohol content during fermentation are classified (in ascending order of quality) as Tafelwein, Landwein, or Qualitätswein. All have some degree of added sugar (Chaptalized), and are restricted to some degree as to grape varietals, natural sugar, grape source, and label information. Only Qualittswein (Qba) can list its specific origin on the label including a vineyard name, if at least 85% of its grapes come from that vineyard. Qualitätswein must also be government tested to verify sugar and alcohol content, and carry a test number on the label. Sometimes they are labeled "Trocken" (dry) or "Halbtrocken (medium dry), but these wines are never sweet.
2. Qualitätswein mit Prädikat (QmP) is the top category. The grapes must have enough natural sugar to complete fermentation; no sugar may be added. The grapes must be of a certain variety, they must come from a specific area, and they must be quality tested. This grade is divided into five subcategories, listed in ascending order of body and ripeness:

Kabinett
Spätlese
Auslese
Beerenauslese
Trockenbeerenauslese
Eiswein

(See descriptions of these)

So, back to the original question: what do you look for on a German wine label? First, make sure it is at least Qualitätswein (Qba). If you like dry Riesling, look for Trocken on the label. If you like it slightly fruity, look for Halbtrocken. It it's a Qba and doesn't specify either, chances are it will be off-dry.

If you would like a little richer wine, look for one of the Qualitätswein mit Prädikat (QmP) wines. If you want dry or medium dry, try a Kabinett. Want something fruity or sweet, try a Spatlese, Auslese, etc.

The color of the bottle also indicates what region the wine is from. A green bottle designates the Mosel region, where the wines tend to be lighter with more apple and pear flavors. A brown bottle designates the Rhine region, where the wines are typically more full-bodied with apricot, nectarine, and honey flavors. The QmP Rhine wines will generally cellar longer than the Mosel wines.

Last, look for the VDP insignia on the capsule to insure a wine is made under strict quality regulations. The growers of the VDP are working hard to raise the quality and consciousness of fine German wine, so consider a Riesling next time you want to try an "ABC" (Anything But Chardonnay).