Proven Quality in the Glass

German Qualität and Prädikat wines are not qualified by their origin alone. They also have to prove their quality in the glass with each new vintage and wine.

Since 1971 every Qualität and Prädikat wine has been chemically analyzed and undergone a sensory evaluation by the official body for quality testing. The subsequent official test number, which the test committee assigns once the wine is approved, must be noted on the label. The three-stage system of quality evaluation ensures a minimum quality is achieved within the individual quality categories.

In addition to checking the bottled wine, the harvest book and the cellar book are also checked. In these two books, among other things, the harvest quantities, the grape varieties and must weights as well as the purchases and sales are noted. For chemical analysis, the wine is examined in an officially approved wine laboratory. Above all, the essential ingredients and additives and compliance with their limit values ​​are checked here.

After the wine has been certified that it is chemically and physically in accordance, three sample bottles are submitted for official sensory testing. An independent commission tastes and tests each wine and rates it according to a 5-point system. In this way, the sensory test ensures the quality standard of a wine’s taste profile and that it aligns with the information on the label.

Awards offer orientation

In addition to the legally required test, the German Agricultural Society (DLG) and other organizations offer quality ratings and awards to wines with above-average quality that can help consumers in their choice. Importantly, all these different competitions have one thing in common: the wines are tested ‘blind’ by an independent expert committee. This ensures the greatest possible objectivity.