Trockenbeerenauslese
Trockenbeerenauslese (German pronunciation: [ˈtʁɔkn̩beːʁənaʊsˌleːzə]; literally "dry berry selection") is the highest category of Prädikatswein in Germany and Austria. It denotes exceptionally sweet dessert wines made from individually selected berries affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). These wines are among the rarest and most expensive styles produced, valued for their concentration, intensity, and longevity.[1]
Background
Trockenbeerenauslese (often abbreviated TBA) sits at the top of the German and Austrian quality pyramid of Prädikatswein. The category was codified in the 20th century as the ultimate expression of botrytised wines, beyond Beerenauslese and Eiswein.[2]
Because production depends on the development of noble rot, TBA wines are only made in vintages where conditions are suitable: damp autumn mornings followed by dry afternoons that encourage selective infection and dehydration of grapes. This rarity contributes to their high status and cost.[3]
Characteristics
The grapes most commonly used for TBA are Riesling, Weissburgunder, and occasionally other white varieties. Riesling TBAs are particularly prized for their ability to balance very high sugar levels with naturally high acidity.[4]
The must weight required for TBA is the highest of all Prädikat levels, often exceeding 150° Oechsle in Germany, reflecting extreme sugar concentration. Fermentation is slow and sometimes incomplete, leaving very high residual sugar.
Typical flavours include honey, marmalade, dried apricot, fig, and exotic spices. With age, notes of caramel, nuts, and coffee can emerge. Despite their richness, top TBAs retain remarkable freshness due to acidity.[5]
Use in winemaking
Making TBA requires laborious hand-selection of individual botrytised berries, sometimes yielding only a few litres of juice per vine. This results in extremely low production volumes and high prices.[6]
Fermentation can take months because yeasts struggle to process the dense, sugary must. The resulting wines often have low alcohol levels, usually around 6–8%.
TBAs are capable of extraordinary ageing. Well-stored examples can last for decades, developing additional complexity over time. Their rarity and longevity have also made them notable in wine investment markets, where they feature prominently at international auctions.[7]
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Priewe, Wine Atlas of Germany, Hallwag, 2019.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
- ↑ Deutsches Weininstitut (DWI), “Prädikatsweine: Trockenbeerenauslese”, deutscheweine.de.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, 2015.
- ↑ Priewe, Wine Atlas of Germany, 2019.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.