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In this tasting program, we learned more than just wine descriptors. We needed to learn a whole new language! Words like Trocken, and Spatlese, Auslese and others were defined by Phil Colavincenzo and spoken precisely by member Karen Kostishack. The following is a shorten version of the vast amount of information we learned at this wunderbar program!

Germany has about 100,000 hectares (240,000 acres) of vineyards. About 81% of theis area is planted in white grape varieties while only 19% are red. Labeling of German wines is strictly regulated so that if at least 85% of a wine is made form one kind of grape, then the name of the variety may be indicated on the label. This tells you exactly what to expect with regard to the color, taste, aroma and acidity of the wine.

The history of winemaking began back with the Romans who conquered the area around 100B.C. and started cultivating grapes soon afterwards. In the Middle Ages monastic orders established many fo Germany's finest vineyards and with their meticulous care of the vines and wines, set a standard for the hight quality of German viticulture.

The most northerly of the wine growing countries, Germany produces the loveliest, lightest, most delicate white wines in the world. Low in alcohol and exquisitely balanced. The wines grown are diverse. Whites include: Muller,-Thurgau, Reisling, Sivaner, Kerner, Scheurebe, Rulander/Grauburgunder. Reds include: Spatburgunder, Prtugieser and Trollinger. The growing regions are as diverse as the climates in Germany.

Quality categories of German wines fall into two types. Trafelwein, made from normally ripe grapes and Qualitatswein which is those made from very ripe to overripe grapes. Other terms are:
Kabinett - fine, usually light wines made of fully ripened grape. Excellent with or without meals.
Spatlese - literally means late harvest. They are more intense in flavor but not necessarily sweet. Good with rich foods.
Auslese - harvest of very ripe bunches. Noble wines intense in flavor but not always sweet.
Beerenauslese (BA) - harvest of individully selected overripe grapes. Sweet desert wines.
Eiswein - made from grapes harvested and pressed while frozen. Sweet, with fruity acidity.
Trokenbeerenauslese (TBA) - individually harvested overripe grapes, dried like raisins. Rich and sweet wines.

(All information is derived from the pamphlet "A Short Guide to German Wines" issued by Deutsches Weininstitut GmbH, Mainz. 6/96 Gutenbergplatz 3-5 Federal Republic of Germany)