Spätlese
Intermediate Regions & TerroirSHPAYT-lay-zuh
Definition
German Prädikat level for wine made from late-harvested grapes.
In Depth
Spätlese ('late harvest') grapes have higher sugar content (76-90° Oechsle) than Kabinett. Can be vinified dry (trocken) or with residual sweetness. In the Mosel, off-dry Spätlese Riesling offers a sublime balance of fruit sweetness and razor-sharp acidity. Spätlese dry wines from the Pfalz and Rheinhessen can be powerful, full-bodied whites.
Details
- Category
- Regions & Terroir
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Pronunciation
- SHPAYT-lay-zuh