Prädikatswein
Prädikatswein (German pronunciation: [ˈpʁɛːdikat͡svaɪn], lit. “wine with special attributes”) is the highest category in the German system of wine classification. It denotes wines produced from grapes of superior ripeness, with quality determined by natural sugar levels at harvest. Chaptalisation (the addition of sugar to increase alcohol) is not permitted under this designation.[1]
Background
The modern classification of Prädikatswein evolved from the former term Qualitätswein mit Prädikat (QmP), introduced in the 1971 German Wine Law. This system established Prädikatswein as the top tier above Qualitätswein, signifying wines of distinctive quality and guaranteed origin.[2] It reflects a tradition that emphasises grape ripeness at harvest rather than geographical origin alone, setting German wine law apart from that of many other European countries.
Classification levels
Prädikatswein is subdivided into six levels, each based on the must weight of grapes at harvest, measured in degrees Oechsle. The categories, in ascending order of ripeness, are:
- Kabinett – light, often dry or off-dry wines from fully ripened grapes.
- Spätlese – literally “late harvest”, richer wines with more body and concentration.
- Auslese – wines made from selected bunches of very ripe grapes, often with a hint of sweetness.
- Beerenauslese – produced from individually selected overripe berries, frequently affected by noble rot.
- Trockenbeerenauslese – intensely sweet wines from dried, botrytised grapes.
- Eiswein – made from naturally frozen grapes harvested and pressed while frozen.[3]
These categories define not only sugar content but also stylistic diversity, ranging from delicate dry whites to some of the world’s most concentrated dessert wines.
Regional context
Prädikatswein is produced across all 13 recognised German wine regions, with the Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz particularly renowned for these wines.[4] Riesling is the dominant grape variety, prized for its ability to retain acidity while expressing sweetness and ripeness levels. Other varieties such as Silvaner and Gewürztraminer are also used, though less frequently.
Internationally, Prädikatswein has become strongly associated with German wine identity, particularly for its late-harvest and botrytised styles, which have shaped perceptions of Germany as a producer of long-lived and expressive white wines.[5]
Use in winemaking
Prädikatswein can be vinified in a range of styles, from bone-dry Rieslings (often labelled as trocken) to highly sweet dessert wines. The category is central to Germany’s export reputation, with Spätlese and Auslese wines widely exported, while the rare Trockenbeerenauslese and Eiswein remain sought after by collectors.[6] The classification continues to define both tradition and innovation within German viticulture, balancing historical ripeness-based quality standards with modern consumer preferences.
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, ISBN 978-1784724030.
- ↑ Schmitt, Deutsche Weine: Geschichte, Anbaugebiete, Rebsorten, Tre Torri Verlag, 2018, ISBN 978-3960330568 (in German).
- ↑ Staudinger, Weinland Österreich: Geschichte, Regionen, Rebsorten, Pichler Verlag, 2005, ISBN 978-3854313611 (in German).
- ↑ Deutsches Weininstitut (DWI), “German Wine Classification”, germanwines.de (in German).
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, ISBN 978-1784724030.