Ch. 11 – Germany

Question 1

VDP vineyard classification system

Answer 1

VDP Gutswein - regional wines, max. yield 75hl/ha

VDP Ortswein - village wines, produced from grape varieties typical to region, max. yield 75hl/ha

VDP Erste Lage
- ‘first class’ equivalent to premier cru
- excellent quality wines with ageing potential
- stricter growing and winemaking conditions apply
- Only selected varieties for each region
- lower max yields
- grapes must be harvested by hand and ripe enough to qualify at least for Spatlese.
- Village and vineyard name on the label.

VDP Grosse Lage
- equivalent to Grand Cru
- even lower max yields
- Permitted varieties differ dependent on Anbaugebiete (Riesling in all, Spatburgunder in all but Nahe and Mosel)
- Dry whites cannot be released until September year following harvest.
- Red wines spend 12mths in oak
- Dry wines are designated Grosses Gewachs (only GG can appear on label)
- Only vineyard name appears on label not the village.

Question 2

Two higher-tier categories for single vineyard wines (2021)

Answer 2

Erstes Gewächs
- At least 85% from one approved variety
- Grapes must be picked selectively
- Lower max yields
- Minimum alcohol of 11%
- Must be dry
- Must pass a tasting test if ordered by the regional bodies
- Subject to specified release dates

Grosses Gewächs
- At least 85% from one approved variety
- Grapes must be hand-harvested
- Even lower max yields
- Minimum alcohol of 12%
- Must be dry
- Must pass a tasting test
- Subject to specified release dates

• For both categories, it’s possible to indicate a smaller parcel, known as a Gewann, if it’s entered into the vineyard register.