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09.August 2007

Mosel-Saar-Ruwer shortened to Mosel

By: DWI

MAINZ/TRIER. With effect from 1 August 2007, the name of the region Mosel-Saar-Ruwer has been shortened to “Mosel.” According to the regional wine-growers’ association president, Adolf Schmitt, this will enhance regional marketing efforts and enable growers in the Saar and Ruwer valleys to position their wines as true specialties within the umbrella term “Mosel”.

new labeling

A situation similar to that in Baden, with its nine districts, whereby growers in specific districts, such as the Kaiserstuhl, Ortenau or Markgräflerland, market their wines as specialties within the Baden region.

The regional wine promotion board – heretofore Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Wein e.V. - has been renamed Moselwein e.V.
 
Also with effect from August 1st 2007, the designation “Qualitätswein mit Prädikat” is no longer valid; this has been replaced by the simpler designation “Prädikatswein.” A Prädikat is an attribute that describes the degree of ripeness of the grapes, measured by the natural sugar content of the grape juice at the time of harvest. Grapes with a longer ripening period absorb additional minerals from the soil and develop an increased level of natural sugar. Thus, the riper the grapes, the more aroma and flavour in the wine. Prädikatsweine are never chaptalised.

There are six levels of Prädikatsweine in Germany. In ascending order: Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese and the top two Prädikate Eiswein and Trockenbeerenauslese.

Finally, a new European Union Regulation regarding statements pertaining to nutritional and/or health attributes of foodstuffs – including wine – also came into effect on 1st August. As such, the statement on wine labels designating wines “für Diabetiker geeignet – nur nach Befragen des Arztes” (suitable for diabetics: subject to seeking medical advice) is no longer permitted. The preceding regulation, in effect since 1995, allowed wine producers to print the statement on wine labels thereby indicating that a wine had less than 20 grams/litre residual sugar, glucose content of less than 4 grams/litre, and maximum a.b.v. of 12%.

Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, abuse may damage your health. The consumption of alcoholic drinks during pregnancy, even in small amounts, can have severe consequences to the health of your child.

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