S.A. Pruem Winery - Mosel - Germany: VDP Classification

Printversion - Monday, 6. October 2008
printversion of site "VDP Classification"
(URL: http://www.sapruem.com/vdpclassification.html)

The VDP Classification

The S.A. Pruem Winery is a founding member of the Verband Deutscher Praedikatsweingueter or “The Association of German Premium Wineries – VDP, for short. As an expression of its responsibility for encouraging the production of superlative wines and maintaining the identity and characteristics of a viti-cultural landscape-environment, formed by unique vineyard parcels, the Premium Wineries have taken it upon themselves the task of guaranteeing the integrity of “Grands Vins” – superlative wines grown in Germany’s greatest growths.

VDP Growth Classifications

The recognition of top growth areas is an essential step in the cultivation of wines with special, individual character which reflect the peculiarities of origin and the special care and passionate commitment of the vintner to achieving these ends. The awarding of VDP recognition marks this achievement. The regional VDP associations on their own responsibility conscientiously classify these growths or portions thereof, working in close cooperation with their members from which evolve the following levels of the "Quality Pyramid".

Prime Growths (ERSTE LAGE)

By setting criteria for the delineation of parameters for prime-growth locations, acceptable grape varietals, growing, harvesting and marketing requirements, the VDP obtains necessary conformity to guarantee top quality. Some typical basic examples of these criteria for Prime Growths are: wines should be basically dry; their maximal yield per hectare should not exceed 50 hectoliter/hectare, the must should exhibit the potential for a Spaetlese or Late Harvest wine; the grapes should be hand-harvested and undergo organoleptic quality-control testing. Bottles should bear a uniform Logo/Design denoting VDP membership. Prime growth wines may also only be sold the September of the year following the harvest in the case of white wines. Red wines from prime growths may only be marketed the September of the second year following the harvest.

Regional Growths (LAGENWEINE)

Classified growths with approved grape varietals whose wines reflect typical characteristics and unique qualities of the growth which are readily recognizable. Harvested grapes must be fully ripened and the harvest itself achieved through selective procedures, no more than 65 hectoliters/hectare yield to qualify.

Proprietory Wines (GUTSWEINE)

These local growth wines reflect local traditional cultivation patterns, grapes that are typical of the area, integrated cultivation practices, yields not to exceed 75 hectoliters/hectare with the least acceptable must levels conforming to local practice.