The "Großes Gewächs" (GG), also abbreviated as GG, is a highly regarded category of dry quality wines from Germany. This designation represents the top class of German quality wines, especially in the area of dry white wines. This renowned classification is closely associated with the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP) and stands for the highest quality standards. To receive the title "Großes Gewächs," the wines must meet certain criteria. These include the strict VDP guidelines regarding grape ripeness, yield limitation, and selective hand-picking. Furthermore, Großes Gewächs wines originate from specially classified vineyards, the so-called "Erste Lagen," which are considered top-quality vineyards. Typically, Großes Gewächs wines are produced as dry wines and represent the best that a German winemaker can produce from a single top-quality vineyard. They are characterized by impressive minerality, complexity, and a long, elegant finish. Especially in the area of Riesling, Großes Gewächs wines have earned an excellent international reputation.

If you are looking for excellent German wines that meet the highest quality standards, buying a "Großes Gewächs" is a first-class decision. "Großes Gewächs," abbreviated as GG, represents the top class of German quality wines and is particularly known for its dry white wines. These outstanding wines originate from the best vineyards in Germany, the so-called "Erste Lagen," which are known for their excellent terroirs and ideal conditions for viticulture. To receive the "Großes Gewächs" predicate, the wines must meet the strict criteria of the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP). When buying a "Großes Gewächs," you can look forward to a unique wine experience. These wines are characterized by their exceptional minerality, complex aromas, and impressive longevity. Whether Riesling, Weißburgunder, Spätburgunder or other grape varieties, "Großes Gewächs" is a recommendation for wine lovers who appreciate the highest quality and unique taste!

The Große Gewächs Riesling is the pinnacle of German quality wines and embodies the highest level of dry Rieslings. These exquisite wines originate from Germany's best vineyards, the VDP.Erste Lagen, and meet the strictest quality standards. The Große Gewächs Riesling impresses with its unique combination of outstanding minerality, vibrant acidity, and an impressive variety of aromas. The dry character of this Riesling allows you to experience the characteristics of the terroir and grape variety in their purest form. Discover the fascination of the Große Gewächs Riesling and let yourself be inspired by a masterpiece of German wine tradition!

The abbreviation "GG" stands for "Großes Gewächs" and represents a top-quality classification for German wines. The designation GG is primarily used in the context of the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP) and stands for top-quality dry wines from the best vineyards. Therefore, the use of the term "GG" on a wine label is a seal of quality for the highest standard and a guarantee of an exceptional wine experience.

A wine is designated as "Großes Gewächs" (GG) if it meets certain quality criteria established by German winegrowers' associations, in particular the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP). This designation is particularly important for dry German wines, especially Riesling.
The following criteria are typical for "Großes Gewächs" wines:

1.
Origin from the best vineyards: GG wines come from the best vineyard sites, which are classified as VDP.Große Lage. These sites offer ideal conditions for the ripening of the grapes and have been among the best sites in Germany for centuries, as evidenced by historical documents.

2.
Perfect grape ripeness: The grapes used for "Großes Gewächs" must be completely healthy and have reached optimal ripeness. This ensures a high concentration of aromas and a balanced sugar content.

3.
Winemakers' manual labor: The winemakers rely on careful manual labor in the vineyard to ensure the quality of the grapes. This includes selective hand-picking and precise work in the vineyard.

4.
Dry production: Großes Gewächs wines are produced dry, meaning they contain little to no residual sugar. This emphasizes the characteristics of the terroir and the grape variety.

The use of the term "Großes Gewächs" is a guarantee of the highest quality and shows that the wine meets the strict requirements of the German Prädikatswein estates. If you would like to enjoy these exclusive wines, order directly from us and experience top German quality.

The designation "VDP.Grosse Lage" is a quality mark used in German viticulture by the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP). This classification represents the highest level of vineyard sites and represents the best terroirs found in the German wine regions.

Here are some key characteristics of the "VDP.Grossen Lage":

1.
Excellent vineyard location: The VDP.Grossen Lagen are characterized by outstanding geographical conditions that offer optimal sunlight, soil conditions and microclimate. These factors are crucial for the quality of the grapes.

2.
Traditional grape varieties: In VDP.Grossen Lagen, member wineries may only cultivate traditional grape varieties that are optimally adapted to the respective site conditions. These include, for example, Riesling for white wines or Pinot Noir for red wines.

3.
Highest quality standards: Wines from VDP.Grossen Lagen represent the top quality of a winery. The classification signals to the consumer that they can expect a wine of the highest quality and with a pronounced terroir character.

4.
Strict quality controls: The VDP members who are allowed to use this classification are subject to strict quality guidelines. This includes reduced yield regulation, selective hand-picking and traditional winemaking techniques.

The designation "VDP.Grosse Lage" is therefore a seal of quality for first-class wines and a guide for wine lovers who appreciate the highest quality standards. Discover the excellence of German wine culture by ordering wines from VDP.Grosse Lagen directly from us.

The designation "Erste Lage" is a quality level in German viticulture, often used in connection with the classification of the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP). "Erste Lage" stands for a high-quality vineyard site and represents the second-highest quality level after "Grosse Lage" in the VDP system.

Some key characteristics of "First Growth" wines are:

1.
High vineyard quality: "Erste Lage" (First Site) is characterized by a very good location with favorable conditions for viticulture. This includes factors such as sunlight, soil composition and climate, which significantly influence the quality of the grapes.

2.
Traditional grape varieties: In "Erste Lagen" (First Class vineyards), traditional grape varieties are often cultivated, which are well adapted to the specific conditions of the location. This can be, for example, Riesling for white wines or Pinot Noir for red wines.

3.
High-quality wine production: Wines from "Erste Lagen" (first-class vineyards) represent high quality and a pronounced terroir character. The winemakers focus on careful winemaking, starting with the selection of the grapes and continuing to the final bottling.

4.
Recognized quality level: The designation "Erste Lage" indicates that the vineyard and the wines produced from it meet certain quality standards. This classification provides wine lovers with guidance and the assurance of enjoying a high-quality wine.

"Erste Lage" therefore represents a significant level in the hierarchy of German wine classification and offers wine lovers the opportunity to experience high-quality wines with a regional character. Discover the diversity and class of German wines by ordering wines from "Erste Lagen" directly from us.

The terms "Ortswein" and "Gutswein" refer to different quality levels in German viticulture. Here are the differences:

1. Estate wine:
• A "Gutswein" (estate wine) comes from the vineyards of a specific winery within a wine-growing region.
• It often represents the entry point into the quality levels and is frequently a single-varietal wine.
• Estate wines offer an insight into the typical style and quality of a winery.
• The grapes for estate wines can come from different vineyards of the estate, and the focus is often on a balanced, accessible character.

2.
Local wine:
• A village wine, also known as a "Village-Wein," comes from the vineyards of a specific place or village.
• Local wines already represent a higher quality level than estate wines.
• The grapes for local wines usually come from specific vineyards within the locality, which are considered to be of particularly high quality.
• Village wines often show a stronger regional character and terroir influence, as they are intended to reflect the specific characteristics of the respective vineyards in the village.


It is important to note that the exact criteria for estate and village wines can vary slightly depending on the wine-growing region, as different wine-growing areas in Germany may use different systems and designations.

The term "VDP" stands for "Verband Deutscher Prädikats- und Qualitätsweingüter" (Association of German Prädikats- and Qualitätsweingüter) and represents one of the most prestigious quality classifications in German viticulture. Founded in 1910, this association advocates for strict quality standards and the promotion of high-quality wines. Here are some key aspects associated with the VDP:


1. Quality standards:

The VDP sets strict quality standards for its member wineries to ensure that the wines produced meet the highest standards.

These standards concern various aspects, including grape variety selection, yield limitation, grape ripeness, and vinification techniques.



2. Classification system:

The VDP uses a differentiated classification system for vineyards, which is based on the classification into different predicate levels.

This system includes the categories Estate Wine, Village Wine, First Vineyard (First Growth) and Grand Vineyard (Great Growth) for dry wines, as well as Prädikatsweine for semi-sweet wines.



3. Emphasis on terroir:

The VDP strongly emphasizes the terroir concept by highlighting the influence of soil, climate, and location on the character of the wines.

This is particularly reflected in the higher categories such as Ersten Lagen and Großen Lagen, where the origin and uniqueness of the vineyards are emphasized.



4. Code of Honor:

The members of the VDP are committed to a code of honor that sets the highest quality and ethical standards in viticulture and wine trade.


Wines bearing the VDP logo therefore stand for excellence and the recognition of terroir. The association represents some of the most renowned German wineries, which emphasize their commitment to top quality and wine tradition through their membership in the VDP.