Classic (quality level)
Classic is an approved designation for German quality wines for wines that are vinified according to special guidelines. The next (higher) level of these qualities is the designation selection . Both are used for so-called profile wines, which are intended to classify single- variety, typical regional wines.
particularities
The specification of the grape variety for classic wines is mandatory. Only the types of wine white and red may use this designation. With the exception of the sweet reserve, a classic wine may only be made from wine grapes from classic grape varieties typical of the region. The respective state government defines which grape varieties are typical. The grape must used for wine production must have a natural minimum alcohol content of at least one percent by volume above the natural minimum alcohol content prescribed for the particular growing area in which the grapes are harvested. The total alcohol content must be at least 11.5 percent by volume ( Moselle ) or 12 percent by volume in all other wine-growing regions. No locations , areas , municipality or district names may be specified. The year is mandatory. The residual sugar content must not be more than 15 grams per liter and not more than double the total acidity . A taste statement is not permitted.
Labeling
The German Wine Institute has made a protected logo available for Classic wines.
Approved grape varieties for classic wines
- Ahr : Frühburgunder , Spätburgunder and Riesling
- Baden : Weißer Burgunder , Roter Gutedel , Weißer Gutedel , Müllerrebe , Rivaner , Riesling, Pinot Gris , Silvaner and Pinot Noir
- Franconia : Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau , Bacchus , Kerner , Pinot Noir, Domina , Blauer Portugieser and Dornfelder
- Hessian Bergstrasse : Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Silvaner, Rivaner and Pinot Noir
- Middle Rhine : Pinot Blanc, Rivaner, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Additionally Gewürztraminer and Scheurebe in the North Rhine-Westphalian part
- Moselle : Weißer Burgunder, Roter Elbling , Weißer Elbling , Rivaner, Riesling and Pinot Gris
- Nearby : Pinot Blanc, Rivaner, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Scheurebe, Silvaner, as well as Dornfelder, Portuguese and Pinot Noir
- Palatinate : Pinot Blanc, Rivaner, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Dornfelder and Pinot Noir
- Rheingau : Riesling, Pinot Noir
- Rheinhessen : Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay , Rivaner, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Silvaner, Dornfelder, Portuguese and Pinot Noir
- Saale-Unstrut : in the Thuringian part: Kerner, Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, Silvaner, Traminer , Weißer Burgunder, Portuguese and Pinot Noir: in Saxony-Anhalt: Pinot Gris, Riesling, Traminer, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir
- Saxony : Ruländer, Traminer, Pinot Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir
- Württemberg : Kerner, Riesling, Silvaner, Blauer Limberger , Müllerrebe, Pinot Noir and Trollinger