German Wine Classification

Germany has adopted a different quality grading system than other European countries (except Austria). The quality is evaluated according to the 4 following levels (from the least to the best quality):

• Deutscher Tafelwein: Table Wine, usually medium dry.

• Deutscher Tafelwein Landwein: Regional country wines, dry or semi-dry.

• Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete (QbA): Quality wines from one of the thirteen designated, quality regions of Germany.

• Qualitätswein mit Prädikat (QmP): The finest-quality wines with designated, special quality attributes of which there are six. Appearing on the label they are in ascending order of sweetness :
• Kabinett
• Spätlese
• Auslese
• Beerenauslese
• Eiswein
• Trockenbeerenauslese