Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

What are the levels of QmP from driest to sweetest in German wine classifications?

1. Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Eiswein, Trockenbeerenauslese

2. Auslese, Spätlese, Kabinett, Beerenauslese, Eiswein, Trockenbeerenauslese

3. Kabinett, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, Eiswein, Spätlese

4. Spätlese, Kabinett, Trockenbeerenauslese, Eiswein, Auslese, Beerenauslese

The correct answer is: Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Eiswein, Trockenbeerenauslese

The correct sequence from driest to sweetest in the German wine classification system, specifically for Qualitätswein mit Prädikat (QmP), is indeed Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Eiswein, and Trockenbeerenauslese. Kabinett represents the driest style, typically produced from fully ripe grapes with relatively low sugar levels and a crisp acidity. As one moves to Spätlese, the grapes are harvested later, resulting in higher sugar content and greater richness. Auslese follows, where the grapes are selected for their quality and may include some noble rot, contributing to a sweeter profile. Beerenauslese comprises grapes that have been affected by noble rot, leading to even higher sugar levels and complex flavors, making this style quite sweet. Eiswein is made from grapes that were frozen on the vine, yielding concentrated juice that is high in sweetness, and Trockenbeerenauslese consists of overripe grapes, often affected by noble rot, which results in an intensely sweet wine with rich flavors. This logical progression indicates how the sweetness of the wines increases, establishing the correct order as provided in the answer choice. The other choices do