Deutsches Weininstitut Bannergrafik

Classic / Selection

Vintage 2000 marked the advent of "Classic" and "Selection" – terms meant to simplify matters for consumers. Classic wines enable everyone to easily find uncomplicated, dry varietal wines for everyday enjoyment – reliable taste and quality at an affordable price. Selection wines are premium quality, dry varietals available in limited quantities and priced accordingly.

Classic Selection

Winemakers in all 13 German wine-growing regions can produce these wines, provided the wines are above average in quality, harmoniously dry in taste, and made from a traditional grape variety, such as Riesling, Silvaner, Rivaner or a Burgunder (Pinot) variety. The concept is designed to impart a clear profile regarding a wine¹s quality and taste.

Classic wines are easy to recognize – the labels bear the Classic logo next to the name of a traditional grape variety. The name of the producer and wine-growing regions are also mentioned, but vineyard names have been deliberately omitted.

Selection wines must meet additional quality criteria: grapes must originate from an individual vineyard site (it is named on the label) and be harvested by hand; yields are lower than prescribed by law; first release is September 1st of the year following the harvest. Because all Classic and Selection wines are harmoniously dry in style, the terms "trocken" (dry) and "halbtrocken" (off-dry) are superfluous.