Spätlese, too, may be consumed young, but it is likely to be enjoyable even five to ten years after bottling. The higher grades - the Auslese types - are usually longer-lived, generally reaching their peak when they are from seven to ten years old.

With good storage, they will continue at their best for many years thereafter. Wines from the Rheingau often take a few more years to reach their full perfection, while other Rhine wines - from Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Nahe - tend to mature a bit faster.