"Classic" and "Selection" Classifications Provide Clarity for Consumers

New Designations Approved for Germany's Dry Wines

NEW YORK - February 21, 2001

The introduction of two new designations for German dry wines, Classic and Selection, is designed to facilitate consumer choice and dispel the confusion that has developed over classifications like Spätlese trocken, Auslese trocken and halbtrocken. Approved on July 25, 2000, in Brussels, as being in accordance with European wine law, the new classifications will signify Germany's fine and finest drier wines for positioning in upper middle and premium market segments, and will take effect with the 2000 vintage.

Classic
The Classic designation is applicable to dry style wines typical of their regional varietal that satisfy high criteria of quality. Intensity of flavor is key, and wines must fulfill the taste profile of harmonisch trocken (harmoniously dry). Click for detail information.

Selection
To meet the criteria for Selection classification, wines must originate from an individual/single site where reduced yield and hand-selection of the ripened grapes ensure premium quality. Release is not permitted prior to September 1 of the year following the harvest year. Therefore, the market debut (vintage 2000) of Selection wines will be in September, 2001. Click for detail information.

Getting the Word Out
An intensive media campaign will educate consumers on the respective characteristics of Classic and Selection wines, focusing initially on Classic for reasons of timing. Labels for wines with the new designations will indicate region, producer and varietal, e.g. "Franken Silvaner Classic" and "Nahe Riesling Selection + vineyard site."

Reflecting on the new wine designations, Deutsches Weininstitut Director Armin Göring commented, "The introduction of Classic and Selection classifications will simplify matters for consumers. They need only remember that Classic wines are dry and characteristic of the best quality of a specific region; while Selection wines, also dry, are the premium wines of a specific vintage and vineyard site."

For more information please visit the website of the German Wine Institute.

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