Selection grape varieties  

Only the finest traditional grape varieties meet the high quality standards prescribed for Selection wines. Typical candidates, Riesling and/or members of the Burgunder (Pinot) family, are widespread in many of Germany's 13 wine-growing regions, while other grapes are considered to be traditional in a particular region or district. As such, the list ofvarieties that are permitted for Selection winesvaries from region to region. Selection wines are made exclusively from one grape variety – cuvées of two or more varieties are not permitted. The name of the high-quality variety as well as the individual vineyard site of origin must appear on the wine's label.

During the past few years, authorities in the German states where vines are cultivated compiled lists of the grape varieties that are regarded as "traditional" in their respective states (and wine regions). These formed the basis for the final list of varieties eligible for designation as a Selection wine.

Here is a regional overview of the traditional grape varieties from which German Selection wines may be produced:

Note: The German word "Burgunder" denotes a member of the Pinot family, e.g. Spätburgunder (late-ripening Pinot Noir), Frühburgunder (earlier-ripening Pinot Noir), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), or Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc). Schwarzriesling and Pinot Meunier aresynonyms.