Classifications and the VDP
The VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) is an association of around 200 of Germany’s top wine estates committed to producing high-quality wines and preserving traditional viticultural practices. It has created its own classification system to provide clarity and elevate the reputation of German wines, particularly in relation to vineyard origin and quality.
What is the VDP?
- Founded: 1910
- Full name: Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates)
- Members: Approximately 200 elite wineries from across Germany's 13 wine regions
- Purpose: To promote quality wine production through strict standards of vineyard management, yields, and vinification.
The VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) is an association of around 200 of Germany’s top wine estates committed to producing high-quality wines and preserving traditional viticultural practices. It has created its own classification system to provide clarity and elevate the reputation of German wines, particularly in relation to vineyard origin and quality.
VDP Classification System
Introduced in its modern form in 2012, the VDP classification emphasizes the terroir (origin) of the wine, akin to the Burgundy model in France. It is independent of the official German wine law, which classifies wines primarily by ripeness level (e.g., Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese).
VDP.Gutswein
Estate Wine
- Entry-level wines from an estate’s holdings
- Reflect the regional style and serve as an introduction to the producer
- Can be made from grapes from any vineyards owned by the estate
- Labeled with just the estate and regional designation
VDP.Ortswein
Village Wine
- Sourced from superior vineyards within a specific village
- Showcases the character of the local terroir
- Must be made with regional traditional grape varieties
- Village name appears on the label
VDP.Erste Lage
Premier Cru
- Translates to "First Site"
- High-quality, classified single vineyards with exceptional growing conditions
- Hand-harvested, low yields, strict vineyard and winemaking standards
- Wines can be dry or sweet
- Dry wines labeled simply with the vineyard name (e.g., "Silvaner vom Escherndorfer Lump")
VDP.Grosse Lage
Grand Cru
- The pinnacle of the VDP classification
- Best, historically significant vineyard sites with distinctive terroir
- Comparable to Grand Cru in Burgundy
- Wines from these sites must meet the strictest requirements
- Only traditional grape varieties allowed
VDP.Grosses Gewächs GG
- Designation for dry wines from Grosse Lage sites
- "GG" logo appears on the bottle neck
- Must be fermented dry (<9 g/L residual sugar)
- Released one year (white) or two years (red) after harvest
Grape Varieties
Only regionally traditional and approved varieties may be used for higher classification levels (Gutswein, Ortswein, Erste Lage, Grosse Lage). Examples include:
- Riesling (Mosel, Rheingau)
- Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir in Baden, Ahr)
- Silvaner (Franken)
- Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc)
- Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris)
Labeling Guidelines
The VDP eagle logo on the bottle capsule guarantees membership and adherence to the classification system.
Grosse Lage wines often omit the “Grosses Gewächs” words on front labels and rely on GG branding and vineyard name.
Comparison with German Wine Law
| Aspect | VDP System | German Wine Law (Prädikat System) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Vineyard quality (terroir) | Ripeness at harvest |
| Terms used | Gutswein, Ortswein, Erste Lage, Grosse Lage | Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, etc. |
| Dry wine categorization | GG (Grosses Gewächs) | Not well defined |
| Estate membership | Voluntary, elite group (~200 estates) | Applies to all wineries |
Summary
The VDP classification offers a quality hierarchy based on origin, mirroring systems in Burgundy and aiming to clarify the excellence of Germany’s finest wines. It supplements the official German system and is especially relevant for dry wines, where the traditional system is less clear.
This system has significantly improved the reputation of German dry wines and helps consumers identify wines of terroir-driven, high-quality craftsmanship.
VDP.SEKT Classification Overview
Just like with still wines, the VDP Sekt classification emphasizes origin, quality, and traditional methods. All VDP Sekts must be made using the traditional method (méthode traditionnelle) — the same method used in Champagne, involving a second fermentation in bottle.
VDP.Gutssekt
Estate Sekt
- Entry-level sparkling wine
- Grapes sourced from estate-owned vineyards
- A reflection of the estate’s house style
- Aged on lees: minimum 15 months
VDP.Ortssekt
Village Sekt
- Sourced from vineyards in a single village
- Higher quality and terroir expression than Gutssekt
- Only traditional grape varieties
- Aged on lees: minimum 15 months
VDP.Erste Lage Sekt
Premier Cru
- From classified "Erste Lage" vineyards
- Must come from traditional grape varieties suited to the site
- Hand harvesting and strict yield limits
- Aged on lees: minimum 36 months
VDP.Grosse Lage Sekt
Grand Cru
- Top-tier sparkling wine from “Grosse Lage” vineyards
- Reflects the purest terroir expression and complexity
- Made only from the most suitable varieties for sparkling wine
- Hand harvested, strict vineyard and cellar practices
- Aged on lees: minimum 36 months, often longer
- Released at least 3 years after harvest
Key Quality Criteria
All Levels
- Traditional Method only
- Hand harvesting required
- Minimum lees aging requirements strictly enforced
- All Sekts must pass VDP tasting panels before release
Summary
| Classification | Origin Level | Minimum Lees Aging | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VDP.Gutssekt | Estate-wide | 15 months | Entry level, estate style |
| VDP.Ortssekt | Village | 15 months | Village-specific terroir |
| VDP.Erste Lage Sekt | Premier Cru vineyard | 36 months | Higher terroir and aging standards |
| VDP.Grosse Lage Sekt | Grand Cru vineyard | 36 months+ | Top tier, longest aging, complex |
This classification mirrors the still wine hierarchy and promotes a new golden standard for German sparkling wines—focusing on quality, place of origin, and long aging.