The VDP classification model

A milestone in the classification of individual vineyards sites in Germany

In general, the VDP national association provides a uniform framework of quality-oriented measures. On 25 January 2012, the members of the VDP unanimously voted to adopt a resolution on the ongoing evolution of their classification. The restructured classification pyramid, based on four designations of origin, takes effect with vintage 2012.

For details on the resolution, please click here.

The regional associations can stipulate stricter conditions. The VDP logo – the stylized eagle with a cluster of grapes – on the capsules of all wines guarantees ecologically responsible vineyard maintenance and cellar procedures, wines produced exclusively according to traditional methods of production, regular estate inspections and sensorical exams to ensure quality, as well as adherence to marketing measures. The terms ERSTE LAGE and GROSSES GEWÄCHS are private brand of the VDP. Designation of these wines in the Rheingau: Erstes Gewächs (here classification is a legally part of the wine law).

The VDP classification statute

The classification statute of the VDP defines the quality of a wine not only by the sugar content of the grape at the time of harvest, but also by its terroir, i.e. origin in conjunction with quality. Terroir is the focal point. As such, there is an abstention from using the name of a district, a collective vineyard site or a less-than-top individual site. Only wines that reflect the character of their terroir are permitted to bear the name of a vineyard site. Terroir is determined by three components, a “magic triangle” that includes (1) the overall quality and character of a vineyard site; (2) the skill of a grower; and (3) the quality of a vintage. Terroir is recognizable in a wine. The quality of a vineyard is defined by its soil (topographical position, climate and microclimate). Only certain grape varieties are well-suited for a specific terroir. Our knowledge about the best sites and the most suitable grape varieties is based on centuries of experience.

The classification pyramid (valid to vintage 2012)

 

1. The top level: ERSTE LAGE

Wines from the best vineyards of Germany
Dry wines are designated Grosses Gewächs and Erstes Gewächs (Rheingau region)
Fruity wines with natural sweetness are denoted by the traditional Prädikats

A site’s absolutely finest, narrowly demarcated parcels with discernible terroir qualities. Designated grape varieties and taste profiles. Maximum yield of 50hl/ha. Selective harvesting by hand. Minimum must weight equivalent to Spätlese. First release on 1 May for wines with natural sweetness, on 1 September for Grosses Gewächs the year after harvest, red wines a year later.

 

2. The second level: KLASSIFIZIERTE LAGE / ORTSWEIN / TERROIRWEIN

Only wines from classified sites of Superior quality bear the name of a vineyard

Classified sites comprise a select, small group of traditional vineyards that have a distinctive character. This constitutes a fraction of the multitude of vineyard names permitted by law. No restrictions with regard to taste profile. Maximum yield of 65hl/ha. Designated grape varieties and minimum must weight are determined by regional VDP associations.

3. The lowest level: GUTSWEIN

High-quality wines that reflect regional character

At least 80% of an estate’s holdings must be planted with traditional grape varieties typical of their region, as recommended by the VDP. Maximum yield 75hl/ha. Minimum must weight (higher than prescribed by law) is determined by the regional associations.
 

NOTES ABOUT THE VDP CLASSIFICATION

Wines bearing the ERSTE LAGE Logo   have fulfilled the following criteria: 

VINEYARD SITE

The experience of participating estates with the specific character of a “terroir” with regard to fragrance, play of aromas and aging potential of the wines forms the basis of the classification of the best sites. Guidelines include historical documents showing valuation of the individual sites for tax purposes, as well as analyses of vineyards with regard to topography, soil structure and climatic conditions undertaken by a members’ commission. In order to assess the aging potential of a site, at least five mature vintages of wines from the site in question are compared with wines from sites that have already been classified.

GRAPE VARIETIES

The wines are produced exclusively from the following grape varieties:

Ahr: Spätburgunder, Frühburgunder, Riesling (only natural sweetness)
Baden: Riesling, Weisser Burgunder, Grauer Burgunder, Spätburgunder
Franken: Riesling, Silvaner, Weisser Burgunder, Spätburgunder
Pfalz: Riesling, Weisser Burgunder, Spätburgunder
Rheingau: Riesling, Spätburgunder
Hessische Bergstraße: Riesling, Weißer Burgunder, Grauer Burgunder, Spätburgunder
Rheinhessen: Riesling, Spätburgunder
Mittelrhein: Riesling
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer: Riesling
Nahe: Riesling
Sachsen: Riesling, Weisser Burgunder, Spätburgunder
Saale-Unstrut: Riesling, Silvaner, Weisser Burgunder, Spätburgunder
Württemberg: Riesling, Weißer Burgunder, Grauer Burgunder, Spätburgunder, Lemberger

Note: Spätburgunder = Pinot Noir, Weisser Burgunder = Pinot Blanc, Grauer Burgunder = Pinot Gris

YIELDS

Yields are restricted to a maximum of 50 hl/ha.

HARVEST PROCEDURES AND RIPENESS LEVEL

Grapes must have a minimum starting must weight of Spätlese quality. They are harvested selectively, by hand.

PRODUCTION PROCEDURES

Wines are produced exclusively according to traditional methods of production.

INSPECTIONS / EXAMINATIONS

Wines are subject to the general standards prescribed by the VDP national association as well as additional inspections and examinations. Quality-oriented measures in vineyards are supervised and yields, in particular, are monitored during the entire growing season and prior to the harvest. All wines are sampled by an examination commission before and after bottling.

STYLE

Dry wines from a top site (Erste Lage) are designated Grosses Gewächs. Fruity wines with natural sweetness are denoted by the traditional Prädikats from Spätlese to Trockenbeerenauslese.

PACKAGING

All bottlings will bear the Erste Lage logo  , a capsule depicting the VDP logo – the stylized eagle with a cluster of grapes – and a front label that includes the name of the vineyard site and wine estate. All other data required by law are on a separate label.