Designation for higher quality wines that must fulfil specific minimum requirements under wine law in each country. Within the EU, this is the highest quality level. As a rule, the level below this is Landwein. In many wine-growing countries, there is a multi-level quality wine scheme (see under Grand Cru). For the EU member states, there are prescribed quality wine tests that are carried out by independent official bodies. If the result is positive, the official test number is issued in Germany and the state test number in Austria.
The EU wine market regulation, which came into force in August 2009, introduced an origin-orientated system with new wine designations in the member states. In Germany and Austria, quality wine and Prädikat wine correspond to the highest quality level of PDO wine (wine with a protected designation of origin). However, this new designation was banned in Austria in order to avoid consumer confusion (although it is permitted for foodstuffs). In Germany, its use was prohibited until the end of 2011. The old terms "Qualitätswein" and "Prädikatswein" have been retained in both countries as "traditional indications" and remain valid. See in detail under Quality system.
For the production of alcoholic beverages, see Champagne (sparkling wines), distillation (distillates), spirits (types), winemaking (wines and wine types) and wine law (wine law issues). All work and aids in the vineyard during the vegetation cycle are listed under vineyard care.
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Thomas Götz
Weinberater, Weinblogger und Journalist; Schwendi