The Official German Wine Classification vs. VDP System Explained

Hi wine lovers!

Today we're raising a glass to German wine and diving into the two systems that ensure the quality of those delicious Rieslings and Spätburgunders: the official German wine classification and the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter). And spoiler alert: fantastic wines are also made outside the VDP! So grab a glass (wine, juice, whatever you like), and let's go on an adventure into the world of German wine classifications.

What Is the VDP Classification System?

German wine is wonderful, but the system behind it? That’s a different story. If you're seeing the VDP label for the first time, you might think it's a forgotten German boy band or a complex tax rule. In reality, it stands for Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter, a group of top-tier winemakers with a passion for quality and a love for detailed classifications. Luckily, you’re in the right place. We’ll explain in plain English what the VDP system means, what terms like Gutswein, Ortswein and Grosses Gewächs stand for, and why this can actually be very helpful when you know what to look for.

The Official German Wine System Explained

The official German wine classification: a sweet beginning (literally and figuratively)

Let’s start with the official system, in place since 1971 and regulated by German wine law. This system is all about grape ripeness, measured in Oechsle (the sugar concentration in grape juice). The riper the grape, the higher the quality; that’s the idea. Here are the main categories:

- Deutscher Wein: The base level, a kind of table wine without strict rules, but still 100% German.

- Landwein: A step up, regional wines with slightly stricter requirements, such as a minimum alcohol level.

- Qualitätswein: More serious wines, from one of the 13 official wine regions (think Mosel or Pfalz), with tighter quality controls.

- Prädikatswein: The top tier, with subcategories based on grape ripeness:
  - Kabinett: From fully ripe grapes, usually light and fresh.
  - Spätlese: Late-harvested grapes, a bit richer and often slightly sweet.
  - Auslese: Selective harvests, complex and generally sweet.
  - Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese: Lush dessert wines from overripe or botrytised grapes.
  - Eiswein: Made from frozen grapes, a rare treat!

This system is technical and measurable, but it has a downside: it says little about terroir (soil and climate influence) or the winemaker's style. A Spätlese can be dry, off-dry, or super sweet, which can be quite a surprise when you were expecting a crisp aperitif.

The VDP Wine Hierarchy: From Gutswein to Grosses Gewächs

VDP: The Terroir Fanatics

Now for the VDP, an exclusive club of around 200 top wineries with their own, stricter rules. The VDP (founded in 1910) believes the official system is too limited and instead focuses on terroir, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Their classification is similar to that of Burgundy, with a hierarchy based on origin:

- Gutswein: Entry-level wines, often already of high quality.
- Ortswein: Wines from a specific village, with typical local character.
- Erste Lage: Wines from top vineyards with a distinct terroir.
- Grosse Lage: The absolute top, comparable to Grand Cru, from the best parcels.
- Grosses Gewächs (GG): Dry wines from a Grosse Lage, think powerful Rieslings or Spätburgunders with aging potential.

The VDP is strict: low yields, manual harvest, sustainable practices, and intense quality checks. Their eagle-with-grape-bunch logo is a badge of excellence. But let’s not forget: many producers outside the VDP also craft amazing wines. Some choose not to join due to the cost, bureaucracy, or simply because they prefer their own path, and their wines can absolutely blow you away!

VDP vs. Official System: Key Differences at a Glance

So, what really sets these systems apart? Here’s a quick overview:

1. Focus:
   - Official system: Focuses on grape ripeness and sugar content. It's technical but doesn’t say much about terroir or style.
   - VDP: Fully focused on terroir and vineyard quality, with emphasis on place of origin.

2. Flexibility:
   - Official system: Broad and accessible, but sometimes unclear. A Prädikatswein may be dry or sweet, confusing, right?
   - VDP: More specific, especially for dry wines like Grosses Gewächs, you know exactly what you're getting.

3. Strictness:
   - Official system: Open to many producers, with minimum requirements.
   - VDP: Only the elite can join, with rules stricter than the law demands.

4. Reputation:
   - Official system: Ideal for everyday and affordable wines, but also home to some hidden gems.
   - VDP: Synonymous with premium quality, internationally respected, but not the only path to greatness.

Non-VDP Wineries: Also World-Class

Let’s make one thing clear: you don’t have to be a VDP member to make world-class wine. Many wineries outside the VDP produce wines that easily rival those from Grosse Lage vineyards. Think of small, passionate winemakers in regions like Mosel, Rheinhessen, or Pfalz who make wines with precision and love. They often follow their own philosophy, experiment with styles, or stick to traditional methods without the VDP rules. The result? From crisp, mineral Rieslings to elegant Spätburgunders that wow any wine lover. The official system gives these winemakers room to shine, and shine they do!

Why This All Matters

Imagine you're in a wine shop and spot a bottle labeled ‘Auslese’. Sounds good! But is it dry or sweet? And is it truly high quality? The VDP logo gives you confidence in terroir and craftsmanship, but a non-VDP wine might be just as much of a hidden gem. The official system is broad and accessible, while the VDP brings precision and exclusivity. Together, they create a vibrant, diverse wine landscape.

So whether you fall for a VDP Grosses Gewächs or a brilliant Spätlese from an independent producer, there’s always something to discover. German wines are versatile, exciting, and often surprisingly affordable. Pour a glass, taste the difference, and let yourself be surprised, by VDP and the hidden treasures beyond.

Key Differences: VDP vs. Official German Wine Classification

Cheers, or as they say in Germany: Zum Wohl!