New VDP classification and scores of loop holes - Part II

In case the vineyard is not declared and it is a “Gutswein” (third level wine), all tastes and predicates are allowed. The declaration “dry” is left over for the “Grand Crus”, the declaration “semi dry” is conceivable, too. The declaration of taste of a “Ortswein” (second level wine) has to be oriented towards the taste of a vintage wine (Ortsweine are only allowed to be called dry or semi dry).

Point 7 of the resolution says – mind you: “Exceptions from the above mentioned regulations of the VDP classification can be made, upon notification and when there is good cause, to avoid disproportionate burdens for our members.” This means finally that, for instance, a Mosel winery can continue to produce a dry late vintage (spätlese) cultivated on a certain “Große Lage” or “Erste Lage”), as well as a vintner from Franconia who does not want to do without his dry Wurtzburg Stein Silvaner as cabinet or late vintage.

Any more questions?

Er…, what is going to happen to the “Erste Gewächs” from the Rheingau region, that is legally used as a classification as well by non-VDP members and that is a kind of quality label in that region? The latter will not be happy if suddenly the flagships of the Rheingau VDP are no longer speaking about the “Erste Gewächs” but about the “Große Lage”. Will the “Erste Gewächs”, introduced in 1999 under the auspices of the Rheingau Vintners’ Association, only be a niche player or – in the longer term – peacefully pass away?

“We are still searching for a good and clear solution”, Stefan Ress says, president of the vintners’ association. His winery, which is run by his son, is a VDP member. Mr. Ress is considering himself as independent and neutral: “I am no longer involved in the operational business, and I think that both sides trust in me, members of the vintners’ association as well as wineries that are members of the Rheingau VDP.”

At the moment, Mr. Ress is about to sort “scores of reactions”. Then, he wants - together with Wilhelm Weil, president of the Rheingau section of the VDP – to hear views expressed, and finally, by the end of March, 2012, they want to present proposals ready for decision.

There is one thing that Mr. Ress makes clear in advance: “We are negotiating eye level.” A simple solution would be to change the name “Erstes Gewächs” to “Großes Gewächs” – but then it would be necessary for the legislator to have a say. And then, it would be necessary the Rheingau vintners’ association to bring itself to proof the wines produced by non VDP members more thoroughly because so far, really convincing wines have been rather seldom on that area.” (r.knoll)

New VDP classification and scores of loop holes - Part I