Selection grape varieties

Only the finest traditional grape varieties meet the high quality standards prescribed for Selection wines. Typical candidates, Riesling and/or members of the Burgunder (Pinot) family, are widespread in many of Germany's thirteen wine-growing regions, while other grapes are considered to be traditional in a particular region or district. As such, the list of varieties that are permitted for Selection wines varies from region to region. Selection wines are made exclusively from one grape variety – cuvées of two or more varieties are not permitted. The name of the high-quality variety as well as the individual vineyard site of origin must appear on the wine's label.

During the past few years, authorities in the German states where vines are cultivated compiled lists of the grape varieties that are regarded as "traditional" in their respective states (and wine regions). These formed the basis for the final list of varieties eligible for designation as a Selection wine.

Here is a regional overview of the traditional grapes varieties from which German Selection wines may be produced:

Ahr: Riesling, Spätburgunder, Frühburgunder
Baden: Auxerrois, Chardonnay, Riesling, Rivaner, Silvaner, Gutedel, Grauburgunder, Weissburgunder, Spätburgunder, Saint Laurent, Schwarzriesling
Franken: Riesling, Rieslaner, Silvaner, Grauburgunder, Weissburgunder, Spätburgunder
Hessische Bergstrasse: Riesling, Grauburgunder, Weissburgunder, Spätburgunder
Mittelrhein: Riesling, Grauburgunder, Weissburgunder, Spätburgunder
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer: Riesling
Nahe: Riesling, Grauburgunder, Weissburgunder, Spätburgunder
Pfalz: Riesling, Grauburgunder, Weissburgunder, Gewürztraminer, Rieslaner, Chardonnay, Spätburgunder, Saint Laurent, Schwarzriesling
Rheingau: Riesling, Spätburgunder
Rheinhessen: Riesling, Silvaner, Grauburgunder, Weissburgunder, Gewürztraminer, Spätburgunder, Frühburgunder, Portugieser (The quality seal "Selection Rheinhessen" will continue to be used for the time being.)
Saale-Unstrut: Silvaner, Riesling, Weissburgunder, Spätburgunder
Sachsen: Riesling, Traminer, Grauburgunder, Weissburgunder, Spätburgunder
Württemberg: Trollinger, Lemberger, Schwarzriesling, Dornfelder, Spätburgunder, Riesling, Silvaner, Kerner, Grauburgunder

Note: The German word "Burgunder" denotes a member of the Pinot family, e.g. Spätburgunder (late-ripening Pinot Noir), Frühburgunder (earlier-ripening Pinot Noir), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), or Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc). Schwarzriesling and Pinot Meunier are synonyms.

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