PROGRESS ON THE WAY FOR A LEGISLATION OF ORIGIN-BASED “ERSTES GEWÄCHS” & “GROSSES GEWÄCHS” IN GERMANY

After more than three years of intense discussions, pointing out facts and leading discussions, the VDP sees the unanimously approved draft of the German Winegrowers' Association (DWV) for a site classification as an important step forward. This draft paves the way for a nationally standardized and quality-oriented designation of top dry wines based on the creditworthiness and reputation of their origin. As a pioneer of a site-based classification, the VDP emphasizes the need for the terms “Erstes Gewächs” and “Großes Gewächs” to be based on the criteria of Premier and Grand Crus and thus for strict rules to be introduced in Germany as well.

With the new wine law, viticulture in Germany could receive a wine legislation that the VDP welcomes as an opportunity for German wine. For decades, the VDP has pursued the principle of origin and, with the introduction of VDP.ERSTES GEWÄCH®  and VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS® - Premier and Grand Crus for Germany - has created a site classification that is recognized worldwide and has strengthened the reputation of German wine. This development required renunciation, self-criticism and focus within the association. Today, the VDP classification is regarded as one of the most homogeneous and demanding in the world. The transition to a universally valid regulation must be carried out consistently, without time pressure and with caution, building on the experiences that have been made.

After intense discussions and meetings at the level of the German Winegrowers' Association, a draft for the establishment of a general vineyard classification in Germany is now available. Despite this immense progress, there is still a lot of work to be done by all those involved. “The draft creates a basis, but the further development, especially in the comitees interprofessionel (in German: "Schutzgemeinschaften"), is crucial. There is a need for clear criteria, precise delineation of sites and consistent, strict control at national level to prevent these terms from being blurred and drifting apart. Success will depend on how the protective associations, together with those in the regions who have experience with "Grosses Gewächs" and "Erstes Gewächs", implement these guidelines and bring them to life,” says Steffen Christmann, President of the VDP. “We are ready to contribute our many years of experience and expertise to this process. We now need to take the next steps together carefully and ensure that the definition of “Erstes Gewächs” and “Grosses Gewächs” makes a lasting contribution to the quality and reputation of German wine and its origins.”

The VDP classification was developed with great commitment and through decades of hard work, with its members drawing on international models such as Burgundy. The aim was to build on the great tradition of vineyard culture in Germany and to make German wine competitive on the world market by inextricably linking origin and quality. A leveling of these terms to the lowest denominator would not only jeopardize the achievements to date, but would also shake the confidence of consumers and trading partners in top German wines. “It is crucial that the new regulations provide for clear criteria and consistent control mechanisms at a national level,” emphasizes Steffen Christmann, President of the VDP. “The terms that stand for top German viticulture should not be weakened.”

The VDP is therefore calling for a differentiated solution that both takes regional characteristics into account and sets uniform national standards. A so-called “bottom-up” strategy, in which regions and wineries are involved in the design, is necessary to ensure acceptance and practicability. The designations “Erstes Gewächs” and “Großes Gewächs” cannot cover the entire wine industry or solve its economic challenges. They represent the top of German wine production - comparable to the crown of a tree, which only thrives if the stem is strong and healthy. This crown stands for the highest quality, recognizable only by a solid foundation, which declines origin from the bottom up - from the region to the vineyard - and is enlivened by the producers and regions. Here, too, the EU principle must apply to all designations of origin that the producers of the respective products define the criteria first and foremost. At the same time, an independent control structure must ensure that the defined criteria are consistently adhered to.

Furthermore, the role of vineyard classification is essential for the long-term management of Germany's cultural landscapes. Origin and sustainability are inextricably linked and a central component of the future of German viticulture. “Only through a clear, strict and thus also economically successful site classification can we ensure that our work remains possible not only in terms of quality but also in terms of sustainability,” says Christmann.

The VDP appeals to the political players to use this opportunity to create a wine law that not only meets the challenges of the future, but also preserves the high standards and achievements of German viticulture. Precise, binding and transparent generally accepted legal bases are essential in order to position German viticulture as a quality leader internationally and to make it successful in the long term.