QmP/ Prädikatswein

Prädikatswein is a classification for high-quality wines in Germany and Austria, which was formerly known as "Qualitätswein mit Prädikat" (QmP). This category is part of the official wine classification system in these countries, situated above the basic level of "Qualitätswein" (quality wine). The Prädikatswein category is unique because it focuses not just on the geographic origin of the wines but also on the ripeness of the grapes at the time of harvest, without the addition of sugar to the must (unlike in some other categories).

**Key Features of Prädikatswein:**

1. **Natural Sweetness:** Wines in this category must be made from naturally sweet grape juice, with no chaptalization (addition of sugar to the grape must before fermentation to increase alcohol content after fermentation).

2. **Levels of Ripeness:** Prädikatswein is categorized according to specific levels of grape ripeness at harvest. Each level has German terms that indicate the minimum must weight (sugar content in the grape juice) required and generally suggest the style and potential sweetness of the wine. These levels include:

- **Kabinett** - Typically light wines made from grapes that have reached a decent level of ripeness. They can be dry or slightly sweet.

- **Spätlese** - Meaning "late harvest", these wines are made from grapes that are riper and typically produce richer, often sweeter wines.

- **Auslese** - Made from very ripe, selected bunches of grapes, often including some that are affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), leading to even sweeter, more concentrated wines.

- **Beerenauslese (BA)** - Produced from individually selected, overripe berries, often with noble rot, yielding sweet, concentrated wines.

- **Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA)** - Made from dried, shriveled grapes affected by noble rot, these are among the richest, sweetest wines available.

- **Eiswein** - Made from grapes that have frozen while still on the vine. The water in the grapes freezes, but the sugars do not, allowing a more concentrated must to be pressed from the frozen grapes, typically resulting in a very sweet wine.

3. **Regulations and Quality Control:** Wines must meet stringent production standards and are often subject to official tasting and analysis before they can be labeled as Prädikatswein.

4. **Labeling:** Labels must state the Prädikat level and usually include the varietal and the region of origin. Some labels also specify whether the wine is dry (trocken), off-dry (halbtrocken), or sweet.

**Purpose and Use:**

Prädikatswein represents some of the finest wines produced in Germany and Austria, showcasing the capability of vineyards to produce exceptionally high-quality wines based on the natural attributes of the grapes and the growing season. These wines range widely in style, from dry to intensely sweet, and are valued for their complexity and potential for aging. They are frequently enjoyed on their own, with dessert, or with meals that complement their sweetness and acidity levels.