🏷️ Spätlese
A Prädikatswein level from late-harvested grapes; it can be dry or sweet.
Spätlese is a step of the German and Austrian Prädikatswein system, made from late-harvested grapes. The word means "late harvest". Berries stay on the vine longer than usual, so they gain more sugar and aroma. Spätlese stands above Kabinett but below Auslese.
The sugar in the must has to reach a certain minimum, measured in degrees Oechsle. For Spätlese it ranges from roughly 76 to 90 degrees depending on region and grape. The higher the degrees, the more potential sweetness.
Spätlese can be sweet or dry. If the wine is fermented fully, it is marked "trocken". The best Spätlese are made from Riesling and have fresh acidity and the smell of peach, apple and flowers. Such wines can keep for a long time. Spätlese is close to late harvest wine in other countries, for example vendange tardive in France. It is served with fruit, pâtés and Asian cooking.
Links
- Part of
- 🏷️ Prädikatswein
- Where it applies
- 🗺️ German wine, 🗺️ Austrian wine
- Similar and different
- 🍷 Late harvest wine, 🏷️ Prädikatswein, 🏷️ Kabinett, 🏷️ Auslese
Frequently asked questions
What is Spätlese?
A level of Prädikatswein from late-harvested grapes in Germany and Austria.
Is Spätlese always sweet?
No, it can be sweet or dry (trocken).
How does it relate to Kabinett and Auslese?
It stands above Kabinett and below Auslese.
Similar
🏷️ Beerenauslese · 🏷️ Kabinett · 🏷️ Auslese · 🏷️ Trockenbeerenauslese · 🏷️ Eiswein · 🏷️ Qualitätswein
⚠️ Wine contains alcohol: adults only, drink in moderation. Wine usually contains sulphites; egg white or milk proteins are sometimes used for fining — important for allergies and for vegans.