Eiswein
Literally translated, this means ‘ice wine’. These wines must be made from grapes of at least Beerenauslese quality, then harvested and pressed while frozen (about -7°C). A very low quantity is produced in excellent /very good vintages only but the quality is exceptional. They contain a high level of residual sugar. (See Prädikatswein)
Elbling
A long established white grape variety, grown in the Mosel region.
Erste Lage
Literally means top (vineyard) site. Within the VDP classification, it can be translated as Grand Cru, referring to the premium status of a vineyard and its wine. The term does not indicate style, but all Erste Lage wines must be dry. “Grosses Gewäches” or “Erstes Gewäches” wines are produced from these vineyards’ yield.
Erstes Gewäches
In the Rheingau region, the term Erstes Gewäches (First Growth) can be found on the label for some of the top wines. These wines are subject to stringent quality guidelines such as low yields, hand picking and pruning, and the vineyards from which these wines may come are clearly defined parcels of land. First Growths may only be produced from Riesling and Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder). With a maximum of 13 g/l residual sugar they are more likely to be classified as dry. They also have to pass an additional sensory evaluation. Red wines may not be released before 1st of September two years after the vintage, white wines not before 1st of September of the following year.
Outside of the Rheingau, these top class dry wines (which can be made from different grapes, typical for their growing region), are defined by the classification model of the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingueter (VDP) Association of German certified wineries – and are called Grosses Gewäches. On the label they can be identified by the initials “GG” (see Grosses Gewäches)
Erzeugerabfuellung
Estate-bottled by an individual grower or cooperative of growers. Grapes of a particular wine have only been grown in the winery’s vineyards.
Extra brut
Used for sparkling wines, the residual sugar is even lower than with “Brut”
Extra trocken
Meaning extra dry, this term is only used for sparkling wine.
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Drinkaware
Drinkaware aims to change the UK’s drinking habits for the better by promoting responsible drinking.
http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/ -
German Wine – More Details
For details on German wine classifications and quality categories.
http://www.germanwines.de/knowledge/quality-standards/quality-categories/
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German Wine Institute
For more information about German wine around the world, visit the Deutsches WeinInstitut website.
http://www.germanwines.de/Home/ -
Image Bank
Visit the German Wine Institute’s image bank to access images all about German wine.
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VDP: The Association of German Quality and Prädikat Wine Estates
Founded in 1910, the VDP is the world’s oldest association of wine estates.
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Wine in Moderation
The WINE in MODERATION programme is an initiative of the European wine sector.
http://www.wineinmoderation.eu/ -
WSET
Learn about wine with the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.
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WSTA
Trade body Wine and Spirit Trade Association.
