German wine – VDP

The Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP) classification is not part of the official German wine law but rather a group of Germanys’ Prädikat wine estates. These VDP estates must produce wines which reflect the origin or “terroir”. Although the classification is only binding for VDP member estates, it is influential for quality-oriented German viticulture.

The goal of the VDP is to recognise Germanys’ best dry wines and reserve Prädikat wines which express only natural, ripe sweetness. In order to produce wines that are consistent with the VDP’s high quality standards, its members must adhere to strict rules higher than those for Qualitätswein.

• These criteria include:
• Members practice ecologically responsible viticulture.
• At least 80% of members’ vineyards are planted with traditional grape varieties.
• Reduced yields for higher quality
• Harvesting by hand is mandatory and Grosslage (collective vineyard site) appellations are prohibited

Vineyards are categorised by quality under the following terms:

VDP.GROSSE LAGE designates the very best vineyards of Germany. They are planted with traditional varieties best suited to a specific site, as determined by each region.

VDP.ERSTE LAGE designates first-class vineyards with distinctive characteristics. They provide optimal growing conditions, as evidenced over a long period of time. They are planted with traditional varieties, as determined by each region.

VDP.ORTSWEINE, or village wines, originate from a village’s good, traditional vineyards that are planted with grape varieties typical of their region.

VDP.GUTSWEINE, or regional wines, originate from a single estate within a region. They are entry-level wines that meet the general VDP quality standards.