When it comes to Germany, the first thing that might come to mind is beer. However, aside from beer, white wines produced in Germany, especially Riesling, are also highly favored by wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Riesling is one of the oldest grape varieties in Germany, first mentioned in the book “Herbal” created by German biologist, physicist, and pastor Hieronymus Bock in 1546. Originating from the Rhine region of Germany, Riesling is a natural variation of Gouais Blanc, one of the oldest and most productive grape varieties in Western Europe.
How do you choose the perfect German Riesling? From dry to sweet, the options are plentiful!
The German Prädikatswein classification system grades wines based on the sugar content of the grapes. Generally, grapes harvested later are more mature and have higher sugar content, resulting in wines with higher alcohol content/sweetness. Each level in the Prädikatswein classification system has its unique style, providing practical guidance when selecting wines!
Kabinett (Cabinet)
Kabinett wines are made from fully ripe grapes with a sugar content of 60°Oe or higher. Compared to wines of higher levels such as Spätlese or Auslese, Kabinett wines are lighter-bodied, with lower alcohol content and bright acidity. They can range from dry to medium sweet. Sweet styles have lower alcohol content, around 8-9%, while dry styles can reach 12% alcohol.
Recommended by Riesling：
Egon Muller Scharzhofberge Riesling Kabinett 2012 HK$1,806
Spätlese (Late Harvest)
When grapes are fully ripe but left on the vine for an extended period, they lose water content through evaporation, resulting in higher sugar levels compared to Kabinett. However, they do not exhibit the distinct shriveling seen in Auslese grapes. Therefore, Spätlese wines are richer, more mature, with higher body and alcohol content. According to WSET standards, Spätlese styles can range from dry to sweet.
Recommended by Riesling：
Egon Muller Scharzhofberge Riesling Kabinett 2015 HK$1,617
Auslese (Select Harvest)
Auslese refers to grapes that have shriveled and turned red due to late harvest or Botrytis cinerea infection. As a result, they have higher sugar concentration than Spätlese grapes and exhibit tropical fruit aromas. Auslese wines are sweeter than Spätlese and are relatively rare and expensive due to lower yields.
Recommended by Riesling：
Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain 2007 HK$840
Beerenauslese (BA, Berry Select Harvest)
Only wines made from carefully selected grapes affected by Botrytis cinerea can achieve the BA classification. These grapes have exceptional sugar, acidity, and aroma, producing wines with unique honey, apricot, citrus peel, and dried fruit notes.
Recommended by Riesling：
Egon Muller Scharzhofberge Riesling Kabinett 2020 HK$1,428
Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA, Dry Berry Select Harvest)
TBA, meaning “dry berry select harvest,” requires grapes affected by noble rot with even higher sugar content, resulting in intensely flavored wines. TBA Riesling is considered one of the finest sweet wines in the world.
Eiswein (Ice Wine)
Eiswein is made from grapes left on the vine until they freeze in winter. As only water freezes, not sugar, pressing the frozen grapes yields concentrated and sweet juice, creating wines with pure flavors. However, due to global warming, Eiswein production has become increasingly rare.
It’s worth noting that TBA and Eiswein, besides aging for a minimum of 30 years, are produced only under specific climatic conditions, making them highly valuable white wines.
