Auslese

Fine, noble wines crafted from fully ripe grapes, with unripe berries meticulously removed. These wines are often intense in aromas and flavors, yet they are not always sweet.

The term "Auslese" translates to "selected harvest," indicating that the grapes are specifically chosen for their high quality, typically involving hand-picking bunches or individual grapes that are fully ripe or even partially affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea).

1. Selection Process: For Auslese wines, grapes are meticulously selected for their optimal ripeness. This may include grapes that are very ripe or those affected by noble rot, which contributes to the wine's concentrated flavors and complexity.
2. Sugar Content: Auslese wines have a higher must weight (sugar content in the grape juice) than Kabinett and Spätlese wines, indicating a higher potential alcohol level if fermented to dryness. The natural sweetness of the grapes at this stage allows for the production of wines that are rich in flavor.

83 bis 100 °Oe Minimum must weight for a "Auslese"

1. Style: Auslese wines can vary in sweetness from off-dry to very sweet, but even the sweeter versions maintain a balance due to their high acidity. The presence of noble rot in some of the grapes can add unique flavors such as honey and apricot.
2. Flavor Profile: These wines are known for their pronounced fruit flavors, including notes of tropical fruits, ripe stone fruits, and citrus, enhanced by the complexity from noble rot. The richness in flavor is balanced by the wine’s acidity, making it both luscious and refreshing.
3. Pairing: Auslese wines are versatile in food pairing, capable of complementing a range of dishes from spicy Asian cuisine to rich pâtés and cheeses. The sweeter versions are particularly well-suited to accompany desserts or to be enjoyed as dessert themselves.

Auslese wines represent a luxurious expression of German winemaking, showcasing the depth and potential sweetness that can be achieved with meticulously selected, highly ripe grapes. These wines are celebrated for their intricate balance of sweetness and acidity, making them both enjoyable on their own and as a complement to a wide array of culinary delights.