"Qualitatswein" follow-up question:

[cpurvis]

As a follow-up to my post in the German wine thread, what is the significance of the "Qualitatswein" designation on German wine labels? cp

[Innkeeper]

Technically it means: Wines made from nearly ripe grapes. Practically it means: They are good regional or district wines.

[Drew]

Basically the Germans, as I understand, rate 3 ways. Taffelwein, Qualitatswein and Qualitatswein mit Pradikat (QmP). The top category of German wine, it is Qualitatswein (quality wine) with special attributes or 'Pradikats' which can be broken down to 6 'Pradikats' which relate to ripeness and picking times. Wine must be ripe enough to be unsugared (no chaptalization).
mit prediquet.

Drew

[Innkeeper]

Vas asked about Qualitatswein not Qualitatswein mit Pradikat. Yust Qualitatswein is vat the answer is about.

[cpurvis]

Thanks for the answers. In pokin' 'round the wines.com site, found that the Wine Lover's Reference had info on the 3 levels of qualitatswein. Always learning, cp

[Thomas]

Drew, my understanding is that German winemakers are prohibited from Chaptalizing (adding sugar). They may, however, add grape juice to boost sugars.

[Scoop]

There is another classification -- "Landwein" -- that's similar to the "vin de pays" classification in France.

Cheers,

Scoop