Germany: precise, not sweet

A German wine label tells the story of its contents, from the varietal and vintage — to the name, region, and address of its producer. This care for quality is not surprising, since the oldest food safety law in the world was first established in Bavaria in 1516 for the control of beer purity. Reinheitsgebot (Rine-heights-geboat), although a mouthful, nonetheless testifies to the efficiency of the German system. Efforts made to ensure the standards of German wine are no less ambitious. German wine laws are very precise and, in practical terms, lead to a clarity unparalleled by other wine regions.

The bulk of wine produced is classified QmP (Qualitätswein mit Prädikat), representing almost 82 per cent of each year’s harvest. The least produced category, with generally a low alcohol content of less than six per cent, is Tafelwein that is made for day-to-day consumption by the local market. The balance of wine is classified in higher fine wine categories.

When the E.E.C. redefined wine regulations in 1971, Germany was obliged to re-examine its own laws. “Named” vineyards were reduced from more than 25,000 to less than 3,000. Although some vineyards lost historic prestige, German wines, on the whole, became more attractive commercially for export. Great Britain has become the largest export market for German wines. (This age-old wine connection dates back to Roman times, and was later strengthened by Prince Rupert of the Rhine fighting alongside Charles I during the English Civil War. Don’t forget that George I, and the Hanoverian dynasty, came from Germany.)

Read the label! German wines have an incorrect reputation for being sweet.

German wine labels are very precise, with informative detail that allows selection with confidence.

Now is the time to stock up on dessert wines as gifts to the party host, to accompany Christmas cakes or pudding, or to complement the holiday cheese board. Prince Edward County wineries have a wonderful range of dessert wine choices.

Port-style wines from Karlo Estates (red or white) and Del-Gatto Estate are delicious with chocolate and winter spice desserts, as well as with blue cheese and roasted chestnuts. Wines like Winter Harvest Vidal from Sandbanks Estates or Ice Wine from Hillier Creek Estates were made with this season in mind. Unique, playful offerings from Harwood Estates, Huff Estates and Keinte-He Estates (to name only a few) are a treat for the adults savouring a moment to themselves, while children enjoy their Christmas gifts.

And don’t miss out on the Barley Days’ Yuletide Cherry Porter beer, which is only released during the holiday season.