Despite the fact that Germany is a country is of beer-drinkers, it enacted laws in 1971 that defined three categories of wine quality. Deutscher Tafelwein is the lowest, Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiet is the mid-category, and Qualitätswein mit Pradikat is the highest and includes six subcategories. The name of the grape variety is usually also listed on the label, as long as is 85 percent or more. And in an effort similar to that of France to define quality by region, Germany also created growing regions called Anbaugebiet, each of which is further subdivided by district, general site, and individual vineyard.


Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

The vineyards of this region surrounding the Mosel River and its two tributuaries produce Germany's famous Rieslings, which range from light wines to very sweet dessert wines. Many of these are capable of being cellared for a number of years. The Mosel Rieslings of Mittelmosel, or "middle Mosel," in this area are highly regarded.


Rheingau

The Rheingau follows Mosel-Saar-Ruwer as the second most famous winegrowing region in Germany. Over 80 percent of its vineyards are planted with Riesling. Wines produced in this region include Eiswein, or "ice wine," a flavorful dessert wine pressed from frozen grapes. The area also produces a variety of other select, expensive dessert wines such as Ausles and Beerenauslese.