| Introduction | How Wine is made I | How Wine is made II | How Wine is made III |
| Climate and Quality | Serving and Testing | Wine and Food |

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III.  Climate and Quality

Climate

Germany's wine regions are concentrated in the south-western part of the country, which is parallel in latitude (50°) to Labrador. Her vineyards are located on steep south-facing slopes, in a few valleys and almost always close to a river which tempers the climate, acting as a heat reflector, helping to maintain a constant temperature day and night. In autumn the mist and fog that rises from the river offers the grapes protection from early frost. In addition to the general climate, it is important to consider the micro-climates of individual vineyards. The direction and inclination of a particular slope, the intensitiy of sunshine reflected from mirroring rivers, a protective ridge of hills or a forested mountain summit, which deflects the wind - all help the wine achieve its ultimate taste and quality. In addition to the general climate, it is important to consider the micro-climates of individual vineyards. The direction and inclination of a particular slope, the intensitiy of sunshine reflected from mirroring rivers, a protective ridge of hills or a forested mountain summit, which deflects the wind - all help the wine achieve its ultimate taste and quality.

Germany's northerly location provides a moderate climate without intense heat, so that it takes grapes longer to ripen than in more southerly areas. This is why the German wine harvest takes place in October and November, long after the harvest has been completed elsewhere. The longer the grapes stay on the vine, the riper they become, which means - more aroma - and - more flavour.

The Degree of Ripeness at harvest time determines quality category. The German practice of harvesting grapes at various stages of ripeness (selective harvest) determines the official quality category of a wine and is also an important guideline when purchasing wine. This long, slow ripening period enables the grapes to maintain their fruity acidity, which gives German wines their stimulating, refreshing liveliness. Ripeness at harvest is indicated on the label by the quality category.

Quality

Under the German wine law there are two categories of quality:

I. Table Wine - Tafelwein (made from normally ripe grapes).


Simple Table Wine - Deutcher Tafelwein Made from normally ripe grapes Deutscher Tafelwein is pleasant for everyday enjoyment, consumed primarily where it is grown in Germany. It comes from one of five broad Tafelwein regions.
 Special Table Wine - Deutscher Landwein is a hearty, fresh regional wine with more body and character than simple Tafelwein because the grapes must be riper at harvest. Dry or semi-dry, Landwein comes from and is named after one of 19 Landwein regions.

NOTE: If the word "Deutsch" is missing on the label of the Tafelwein or Landwein, then it is not a German wine, but rather foreign wines which may or may not have been blended with German wine. It is likely to have been bottled (abgefüllt) - but not grown - in Germany.

II. Quality Wine - Qualitätswein (made from ripe, very ripe or overripe grapes).

Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete (QbA)is the category which includes the largest quantity of German wines. It comes from one of the 13 specified wine-growing regions and is made from approved grape varieties which have ripened sufficiently to assure that the wine will have the style and traditional taste of its region. Light, refreshing and fruity, these wines are meant to be consumed while young, for everyday enjoyment or with meals.

Qualitätswein mit Prädikat (QmP)This quality wine - so called Prädikatswein - with special distinction or attributes is the category which includes all the finest wines of Germany. Each "Qualitätswein mit Prädikat" carries one of six special attributes (Prädikat) on its label. Those 6 attributes in ascending order of ripeness represent the natural sugar content of the grape juice at harvest.

Kabinett	Spätlese	Auslese
Beerenauslese	Eiswein	Trockenbeerenauslese

Kabinett - fine, usually "naturally" light wines made of fully ripened grapes, the lightest of the Prädikat wines generally showing the lowest alcoholic strength.
Spätlese - literally means late harvest. Wines of superior quality made from grapes harvested after the normal harvest. These wines are more intense in flavour and concentration, but not necessarily sweet. Good with richer, more flavourful foods, or by themselves.
Auslese - harvest of selected, very ripe bunches. Noble wines, intense in bouquet and taste, usually, but not always sweet.
Beerenauslese (BA) - harvest of individually-selected, overripe berries. Remarkably rich, sweet dessert wines, or to be enjoyed by themselves. Effected by botrytis berries have a high concentration of sugar.
Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA) - harvest of individually-selected berries which are overripe and dried up almost to raisins.
Rich, sweet, luscious, honey-like wines.
Eiswein - ice wines of Beerenauslese intensity, made from grapes harvested and pressed while frozen to concentrate sugar, acidity and extract. Truly unique wines with a remarkable concentration of fruity acidity and sweetness.

Reading german wine labels

Wein Label	Reading Index
	1 = Grower, producer   2 = Vintage year   3 = Village and vineyard   4 = Grape variety   5 = Quality level of wine   6 = T