German Classification
The VDP’s (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) members have classified their vineyards and have disignated high quality sites:
Erstes Gewächs
in the Rheingau
in the Rheingau
Erste Lage
in the Mosel
in the Mosel
Grosses Gewächs
in the other German regions
in the other German regions
Riesling is the only grape variety which has great growth vineyards in every German region.
November 30th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
As far as I can tell by reading the VDP site, Erste Lage is used to designate all the “Grand Cru” sites, regardless of region, and Grosses Gewachs may appear on wines sourced from those sites that have met the VDP’s requirements: at least Spatlese level ripeness, dry (no more than 9 g/l), etc. Wines from these Erste Lagen that do not meet these requirements, simply use the convetional Pradikat labeling. I found no distinction for the wines from the Mosel. The Rheingau system uses Erstes Gewachs, instead of Grosses Gewachs, for the qualifying wines from its Erste Lagen. Only the Rheingau system is written into law. The system in the other regions is run and enforced by the VDP (a wine producer association) soley on behalf of its members.
November 30th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
I also think a further description of the VDP would be helpful.
December 4th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Kent,
The Erste Gewach name is for sure for Rheingau (incorporated in the laws of the province of Hessen in 2001). I have only seen Este Lage in the Mosel, the Saar and the Ruwer (that could be updated) and the wines can be dry or sweet. I think Grosse Gewach is used every where else and must be dry. To my knowledge all of those classification are regulated by the VDP. I think that the VDP may have authorized non VDP members to use the Este Lage and Grosse Gewach terms as long as they abide to all the rules of the VDP (I’ll check on that and report).
Let me know if you find otherwise.
Note: I’ll see what we can do for a larger definition of the VDP. It is an important force in Germany. For now let’s say: Founded 1910 with about 200 members currently, the VDP has put out guidelines for its members for yield and other viticultural requirements that are stricter than the legal requirements.