The VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) is the oldest association of wineries in the world. Founded in 1910. it now groups together 200 of the best German wine producers and represents the creme de la crème of German viticulture.
The Grosses Gewächs, also called GG for simplicity, are the top of the VDP quality pyramid equivalent to the Grand Cru in other well-known European wine regions. Unique vineyards, almost always with vertiginous slopes, are managed with what is called ‘heroic viticulture’ because of the enormous amount of manual labour it requires that make great wines, each with its own distinct personality. VDP wineries may only represent 3% of the German market by volume, but their 10% of value makes them very significant.
The 2021 Rieslings released in September 2022 differ significantly from the great 2019 and 2020 vintages. The common refrain of the growers was that 2021 was one of the most challenging growing seasons in recent memory. After the last four very warm years, this vintage is again a “classic German year” — accompanied by many challenges, but with a satisfying result. The 2021 vintage showed very clear, filigree Rieslings with an extraordinary density, a wonderful acidity and definite ageability.
