What is an Ice Wine and how it is produced?

 Ice wine, also known as Eiswein in German, is a type of sweet dessert wine made from grapes that have naturally frozen on the vine. This winemaking process is unique and typically requires specific climatic conditions.

Here's an overview of how ice wine is produced:

Grape Selection: The key to making ice wine is to use grapes that are still on the vine and have naturally frozen. The grapes used are often varieties that can withstand cold temperatures without rotting, such as Riesling, Vidal Blanc, and Cabernet Franc.

Weather Conditions: The grapes need to experience a hard frost, with temperatures dropping below freezing (usually around -8 to -14 degrees Celsius or 18 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit). The grapes must freeze while still on the vine, concentrating the sugars and flavors.

Harvesting: Harvesting typically occurs in the early morning hours when the grapes are still frozen. The grapes are carefully picked and processed while they are still in a frozen state to maintain the concentrated sugars and flavors. Harvesting is often done quickly to prevent the grapes from thawing.

Pressing: The frozen grapes are immediately taken to the winery and pressed while still frozen. Because the water content is frozen, only the concentrated, sugary juice is extracted. This results in a small amount of highly concentrated, sweet juice.

Fermentation: The extracted juice is then fermented into wine. The high sugar content in the juice can make fermentation a slow process. The fermentation is typically stopped before all the sugar is converted into alcohol, leaving a sweet, high-acid wine with a lower alcohol content than many other wines.

Aging: Ice wine is often aged for a period of time to allow the flavors to develop and integrate. The wine is then bottled and ready for consumption.

The entire process is labor-intensive and dependent on specific weather conditions, making ice wine a relatively rare and expensive type of wine. Ice wines are known for their intense sweetness, rich flavors, and vibrant acidity, making them a popular choice for dessert or as a pairing with cheeses and certain desserts. Germany and Canada, particularly the Niagara region, are well-known for producing high-quality ice wines.

My YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtEmIqoo7SW9iqEG1nM1s6w

How the German Wines are classified as per the country's wine laws?

German wines are classified based on the country's wine laws, which are regulated by the Deutsches Weingesetz (German Wine Law). The classification system for German wines is primarily based on the ripeness of the grapes at the time of harvest, and it is important to note that German wine labels can be quite detailed, providing information about the origin, grape variety, and quality level of the wine. Here are the main categories:

Deutscher Wein (German Wine): This is the most basic category and represents wines that are made from grapes grown anywhere in Germany. These wines can be produced in a variety of styles, from dry to sweet.

Landwein: This category includes wines that are designated as Landwein, which means "country wine." Landwein is a step above Deutscher Wein and has stricter regulations regarding the grape varieties used and the region of production.

Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete (QbA): Translated as "Quality wine from a specific region," QbA is a higher quality level. Wines in this category must come from one of the officially recognized wine regions (Anbaugebiete) in Germany. The grapes used must also meet specific ripeness levels.

Prädikatswein: This is the highest quality level in the German wine classification system. Prädikatswein is further divided into six subcategories based on the ripeness of the grapes at harvest:

a. Kabinett: These are light, delicate wines made from grapes that have reached a normal level of ripeness. Kabinett wines are typically dry or off-dry.

b. Spätlese: Translated as "late harvest," these wines are made from grapes that are riper than those used for Kabinett wines. Spätlese wines can be dry, off-dry, or sweet.

c. Auslese: This category represents selected, usually individually picked, grapes that are very ripe. Auslese wines are often sweet, but they can also be dry.

d. Beerenauslese: These wines are made from individually selected overripe grapes affected by noble rot. Beerenauslese wines are sweet and rich.

e. Eiswein: Translated as "ice wine," these wines are made from grapes that have naturally frozen on the vine. The grapes are harvested and pressed while still frozen, resulting in a very sweet and concentrated wine.

f. Trockenbeerenauslese: This is the rarest and sweetest category of German wine. It is made from individually selected grapes affected by noble rot, and the resulting wine is intensely sweet and concentrated.

Understanding these classifications can help wine enthusiasts choose a German wine that suits their preferences, whether they prefer dry, off-dry, or sweet win 

My YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtEmIqoo7SW9iqEG1nM1s6w

Why Wines from European Countries are considered better than the rest of the World?

 Wines from European countries, particularly those from regions like France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, have historically been highly regarded for several reasons. While it's important to note that wine quality is subjective, and there are exceptional wines produced all over the world, European wines have earned their reputation for the following reasons:

Terroir: European wine regions have a long history of winemaking, often dating back centuries. They have carefully developed their terroir, which encompasses the specific combination of soil, climate, topography, and grape varieties that contribute to the unique characteristics of their wines. This long history of winemaking has allowed European producers to understand and optimize their terroir for grape cultivation.

Regulations and Appellations: Many European countries have established strict regulations and appellations (controlled geographic designations) that govern how wine is made and labeled. These regulations help maintain quality standards and protect the reputation of the region's wines. For example, the French AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) system and the Italian DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) system are known for their rigorous quality controls.

Tradition and Expertise: European winemakers have inherited centuries of winemaking tradition and expertise. Families and wineries often pass down their knowledge and techniques through generations, allowing for a deep understanding of grape growing and winemaking.

Diversity of Grape Varieties: Europe is home to a wide variety of grape varieties, many of which have unique flavors and characteristics. This diversity allows for a broad range of wine styles, from light and crisp to bold and complex.

Cultural Significance: European wines are deeply intertwined with the cultures and cuisines of their respective regions. They have played an integral role in European history, making them culturally significant and enhancing their appeal.

Consistency: Established wine regions often have a track record of producing consistent and reliable wines. Consumers have come to trust these regions for quality and consistency.

Wine Aging: European wineries have a long tradition of aging wines in cellars, often for several years or even decades. This practice can result in wines that are well-balanced and have complex flavors, further enhancing their reputation.

It's important to emphasize that exceptional wines can be found all over the world, and wine quality is highly subjective. Many New World wine regions, such as those in the United States, Australia, Chile, and Argentina, have gained recognition for their high-quality wines in recent decades. Wine appreciation ultimately comes down to personal taste, and it's worth exploring wines from different regions to find the ones that resonate with your palate.

My YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtEmIqoo7SW9iqEG1nM1s6w

Wines of France

 France is widely considered to be the birthplace of wine, with a long history and tradition of winemaking that dates back to ancient times. French wines are known for their quality, diversity, and elegance, with many of the world's most famous and expensive wines hailing from this country. France has a well-developed wine industry, with a complex system of appellations, or designated wine regions, that help to ensure the quality and authenticity of its wines.

France is home to many different wine regions, each with its own unique terroir, or combination of soil, climate, and grape varieties. Some of the most famous wine regions in France include Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, the Loire Valley, the Rhone Valley, and Alsace. Each of these regions has its own distinct style of wine, and each produces some of the world's most sought-after wines.

Bordeaux is one of the largest and most famous wine regions in France, located in the southwest of the country. It is home to some of the world's most expensive and prestigious wines, including Chateau Margaux, Chateau Lafite Rothschild, and Chateau Latour. Bordeaux is known for its blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes, which produce rich, full-bodied wines with complex flavors and aromas.

Burgundy is another famous wine region in France, located in the eastern part of the country. It is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, which produce some of the most elegant and refined wines in the world. Burgundy is divided into several sub-regions, each with its own unique terroir and style of wine. Some of the most famous sub-regions include Chablis, Cote de Nuits, and Cote de Beaune.

Champagne is perhaps the most famous wine region in France, known for its sparkling wines that are produced using the traditional method, also known as the Champagne method. Champagne is located in the northeast of France and is made primarily from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. The region is divided into several sub-regions, each with its own unique style of Champagne.

The Loire Valley is located in the central part of France and is known for its crisp, refreshing white wines, as well as its light-bodied red wines. The region produces wines from a variety of grape varieties, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc.

The Rhone Valley is located in the southeastern part of France and is known for its full-bodied, richly flavored wines, including both red and white varieties. The region is divided into two sub-regions, the Northern Rhone and the Southern Rhone, each with its own distinct style of wine.

Alsace is located in the northeastern part of France, near the border with Germany. The region is known for its aromatic white wines, including Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris, which are produced in a dry style.

In addition to these famous wine regions, France is also home to many smaller, lesser-known regions that produce high-quality wines. These include the Jura, the Savoie, and the Languedoc-Roussillon, among others.

French wines are typically classified based on the region where they are produced, as well as the grape varieties used and the style of wine. Some of the most common classifications include:

AOC (Appellation d'Origine Controlee): This is the highest level of classification for French wines, and it is used to denote wines that meet strict production standards for a particular region.

Vin de Pays: This classification is used for wines that are produced outside of the

stringent AOC rules, but still meet certain quality standards. These wines are typically labeled with the name of the region where they were produced.

Vin de Table: This is the lowest level of classification for French wines, and it is used for table wines that do not meet the standards for AOC or Vin de Pays wines.

French wines are known for their complexity, balance, and elegance, with a focus on terroir and tradition. Many French winemakers adhere to traditional winemaking practices, such as hand-harvesting, natural yeast fermentation, and aging in oak barrels. This attention to detail and quality has helped to establish France as one of the world's premier wine-producing countries.

In terms of grape varieties, France is known for producing a wide range of both red and white wines. Some of the most famous red grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah, while some of the most famous white grape varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. However, many French wines are blends of multiple grape varieties, which helps to create complex and nuanced flavors.

In conclusion, the wines of France are world-renowned for their quality, diversity, and elegance. With a long history and tradition of winemaking, France is home to many different wine regions, each with its own unique terroir and style of wine. From the rich, full-bodied reds of Bordeaux to the crisp, refreshing whites of the Loire Valley, French wines offer something for every palate. With strict production standards and a focus on terroir and tradition, French winemakers continue to produce some of the world's most sought-after wines.

GERMAN WINE LABELS

GERMAN WINE LABELS

GERMAN WINE LABELS

GERMAN WINE LABELS

GERMAN WINE LABELS

A.P.NUMBER

Abbreviation for Amtliche Prüfungsnummer, the official testing number displayed on a German wine label that shows that the wine was tasted and passed government quality control standards.

FAMOUS WINES OF GERMANY

1.Spätburgunder: The forefather of the burgundy wines. Dark red colour with delicate aroma. Typical is a taste that reminds of blackcurrant or blackberry. These noble wines are good with game, poultry, paté de fois gras, pasta and pizza. The colour stays in the berry involucres and creates, therefore, a salmon-coloured fresh wine that is especially consumed in summer.

2.Trollinger: Southern Tyrol is the original homeland of the Trollinger from where the name is derived from. Today, it is almost exclusively cultivated in Wurttemberg. A light and fruity wine that varies in its colour between salmon-red and ruby-red. A good Trollinger tastes juicy and is served lightly cooled.

3.Muskattrollinger: Fruity, bright red wine with distinctive nutmeg aroma. Rare speciality, good with Hors d’oeuvres and desserts.

4.Lemberger (Blaufrankisch): a warm and aromatic wine. The colour is a glowing ruby-red with some brown reflections. Powerful red wine, one of the most noble types.

5.Dornfelder: Deep purple, dense colour. Noble red wine with a full body and full aroma and flavour. Excellent for the production in small wooden barrels (barrique).

6.Samtrot: A natural mutation of the black Riesling. Ruby-red to dark red colour. Velvety taste, warm and full bodied.

 

WINE PRODUCING REGIONS OF GERMANY

3. Franconia or Franken - around portions of Main river, and the only wine region situated in Bavaria. Noted for growing many varieties on chalky soil and for producing powerful dry Silvaner wines.

4. Hessische Bergstraße (Hessian Mountain Road) - a small region in the federal state Hesse dominated by Riesling.

5. Mittelrhein - along the middle portions of river Rhine, primarily between the regions Rheingau and Mosel, and dominated by Riesling.

6. Mosel - along the river Moselle (Mosel) and its tributaries, the rivers Saar and Ruwer, and was previously known as Mosel-Saar-Ruwer. The Mosel region is dominated by Riesling grapes and slate soils, and the best wines are grown in dramatic-looking steep vineyards directly overlooking the rivers. This region produces wine that is light in body, crisp, of high acidity and with pronounced mineral character. The only region to stick to Riesling wine with noticeable residual sweetness as the "standard" style, although dry wines are also produced.

7. Nahe - around the river Nahe where volcanic origins give very varied soils. Mixed grape varieties but the best known producers primarily grow Riesling, and some of them have achieved world reputation in recent years.

8. Palatinate or Pfalz - the second largest producing region in Germany, with production of very varied styles of wine (especially in the southern half), where red wine has been on the increase. The northern half of the region is home to many well known Riesling producers with a long history, which specialize in powerful Riesling wines in a dry style. Warmer than all other German wine regions. Until 1995, it was known in German as Rheinpfalz.

9. Rheingau - a small region situated at a bend in river Rhine which give excellent conditions for wine growing. The oldest documented references to Riesling come from the Rheingau region and it is the region where many German wine making practices have originated, such as the use of Prädikat designations, and where many high-profile producers are situated. Dominated by Riesling with some Spätburgunder. The Rheingau Riesling style is in-between Mosel and the Palatinate and other southern regions, and at its finest combines the best aspects of both.

10. Rheinhessen or Rhenish Hesse - the largest production area in Germany. Once known as Liebfraumilch land, but a quality revolution has taken place since the 1990s. Mixed wine styles and both red and white wines. The best Riesling wines are similar to Palatinate Riesling - dry and powerful. Despite its name, it lies in the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate, not in Hesse.

11. Saale-Unstrut - one of two regions in former East Germany, situated along the rivers Saale and Unstrut, and Germany's northernmost wine growing region.

12. Saxony or Sachsen - one of two regions in former East Germany, in the southeastern corner of the country, along the river Elbe in the federal state of Saxony.

13. Württemberg - a traditional red wine region, where grape varieties Trollinger (the region's signature variety), Schwarzriesling and Lemberger outnumber the varieties that dominate elsewhere. One of two wine regions in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg.

 

WINE PRODUCING REGIONS OF GERMANY

1. Ahr - a small region along the river Ahr, a tributary of Rhine, that despite its northernly location primarily produces red wine from Spätburgunder.

2. Baden - in Germany's southwestern corner, across river Rhine from Alsace, and the only German wine region situated in European Union wine growing zone B rather than A, which results in higher minimum required maturity of grapes and less chaptalisation allowed. Noted for its pinot wines - both red and white. Although the Kaiserstuhl region in the wine growing region of Baden is Germany's warmest location, the average temperature in the whole wine region is a little bit lower than in Palatinate (zone A). One of two wine regions in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg.

GERMAN WINE LAWS

Kabinett

fully ripened light wines from the main harvest, typically semi-sweet with crisp acidity, but can be dry if designated so.

Spätlese - meaning "late harvest"

typically semi-sweet, often (but not always) sweeter and fruitier than Kabinett. Spätlese can be a relatively full-bodied dry wine if designated so. While Spätlese means late harvest the wine is not as sweet as a dessert wine.

Auslese - meaning "select harvest"

made from selected very ripe bunches or grapes, typically semi-sweet or sweet, sometimes with some noble rot character. Sometimes Auslese is also made into a powerful dry wine, but the designation Auslese trocken has been discouraged after the introduction of Grosses Gewächs. Auslese is the Prädikat which covers the widest range of wine styles, and can be a dessert wine.

Beerenauslese - meaning "select berry harvest"

made from individually selected overripe grapes often affected by noble rot, making rich sweet dessert wine.

Eiswein (ice wine)

made from grapes that have been naturally frozen on the vine, making a very concentrated wine. Must reach at least the same level of sugar content in the must as a Beerenauslese. The most classic Eiswein style is to use only grapes that are not affected by noble rot. Until the 1980s, the Eiswein designation was used in conjunction with another Prädikat (which indicated the ripeness level of the grapes before they had frozen), but is now considered a Prädikat of its own.

Trockenbeerenauslese - meaning "select dry berry harvest" or "dry berry selection"

made from selected overripe shrivelled grapes often affected by noble rot making extremely rich sweet wines.

GERMAN WINE LAWS

Prädikat designations

The Prädikatswein (formerly QmP) category of the classification contains most high-quality German wines, with the exception of some top-quality dry wines. The different Prädikat designations differ in terms of the required must weight, the sugar content of the grape juice, and the level required is dependent on grape variety and wine-growing region and is defined in terms of the Oechsle scale. In fact the must weight is seen as a rough indicator of quality (and price). The Prädikat system has its origin at Schloss Johannisberg in Rheingau, where the first Spätlese was produced in 1775 where wines received different colour seals based on their must weight.

The different Prädikat designations used are as followed, in order of increasing sugar levels in the must: 

GERMAN WINE LAWS

Prädikatswein, recently (August 1, 2007) renamed from Qualitätswein mit Prädikat (QmP) : 

The top level of the classification system. These prominently display a Prädikat from Kabinett to Trockenbeerenauslese on the label and may not be chaptalized. Prädikatswein range from dry to intensely sweet, but unless it is specifically indicated that the wine is dry or off-dry, these wines always contain a noticeable amount of residual sugar. Prädikatswein must be produced from allowed varieties in one of the 39 subregions (Bereich) of one of the 13 wine-growing regions, although it is the region rather than the subregion which is mandatory information on the label. (Some of the smaller regions, such as Rheingau, consist of only one subregion.) The required must weight is defined by the Prädikat, and the alcohol content of the wine must be at least 7% by volume for Kabinett to Auslese, and 5.5% by volume for Beerenauslese, Eiswein and Trockenbeerenauslese.

GERMAN WINE LAWS

3. Qualitatswein bestinnter Anbaugebiete (QbA): These wines must be produced exclusively from allowed varieties in one of the 13 wine-growing regions (Anbaugebiete), and the region must be shown on the label. The grapes must reach a must weight of 51°Oe to 72°Oe depending on region and grape variety. The alcohol content of the wine must be at least 7% by volume, and chaptalization is allowed. QbA range from dry to semi-sweet, and the style is often indicated on the label. There are some special wine types which are considered as special forms of QbA. Some top-level dry wines are officially QbA although they would qualify as Prädikatswein. It should be noted that only Qualitätswein plus the name of the region, rather than the full term Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete is found on the label.

GERMAN WINE LAWS

2. Deutscher Landwien: This category is equivalent to French Vin de pays. There are 19 different areas from where the German Country wine can be produced. The wine must be dry or semi dry with 0.5% more alcohol that tablewines. These are also known as German Fruit wine.

GERMAN WINE LAWS

1. Deutscher Tafelwein: This category is equivalent to the French Table Wines. The alcohol content must be at least 8.5% by volume. Sugar can be added to reach at this level. Acidity must be 4.5 g/lt. Tafelwein (without Deutscher) is a table wine blended with other European wines, also known as Euroblend.

 

GERMAN WINE LAWS

German wine laws came into existence in the year 1971.