Qualitätswein mit Prädikat (QmP) [kvah-lih-TAYTS-vine mitt PRAY-dee-kaht]

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The highest quality category defined by the German wine laws adapted in 1971. DEUTSCHER TAFELWEIN (DTW) and QUALITÄTSWEIN BESTIMMTER ANBAUGEBIET (QbA) are the two lower quality categories. Qualitätswein mit Prädikat translates crudely to “quality wine with distinction” or “quality wine with special attributes.” In addition to meeting the rules for QbA wines, QmP wines cannot have any sugar added (see CHAPTALIZATION); must be ESTATE BOTTLED (erzeugerabfüllung), and must come from a defined BEREICH (district). There are six subcategories within the QmP category, ranked from lowest to highest: KABINETT, SPÄTLESE, AUSLESE, BEERENAUSLESE, EISWEIN, and TROCKENBEERENAUSLESE. Each category is defined by a minimum sugar content of the grapes, which varies from region to region and from variety to variety. The focus on sugar content embodies the theory that grapes with higher sugar levels are riper and therefore yield richer wines with deep colors, intense flavors, and opulent BOUQUETS.