Germany (Riesling and Prädikat)

Germany is the world's leading producer of Riesling — an aromatic, high-acid variety with an extraordinary ability to reflect terroir. The key regions are Mosel, Rheingau, and Rheinhessen. Mosel produces light, delicate Riesling with low alcohol and elderflower notes. Rheingau yields more body and structure. Germany's Prädikat system ranks wines by the ripeness of the grapes at harvest: Kabinett (light, off-dry), Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA), and Eiswein are the ascending steps. Trocken indicates dry wine; without specification the wine is often off-dry.