Understanding Riesling Tiers: From Kabinett to Auslese
Few grape varieties express place and personality quite like Riesling.
Born from Germany’s steep, sun-drenched slopes, Riesling captures everything from zesty citrus freshness to honeyed richness — all depending on when the grapes are picked.
In Germany, these styles are classified under the Prädikatswein system, a traditional ranking based on grape ripeness at harvest. It’s what gives us the beautiful range of Rieslings we know today — from delicate Kabinett to opulent Auslese and beyond.
🍏 What Are German Riesling?
German Rieslings are classified according to the natural sweetness (ripeness) of the grapes at harvest — not by how sweet the finished wine tastes. The riper the grapes, the richer and more concentrated the wine.
Here’s a simple guide from lightest to most intense:
German Riesling: Guide to Dryness & Classification
| Dryness Level | Label Term | Taste Profile | Residual Sugar (g/L) | Common Label Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | Trocken | Crisp, clean, no perceptible sweetness | 0–9 | May still have ripe fruit |
| Off-Dry | Halbtrocken | Slightly sweet, balanced by acidity | 9–18 | Good with spicy food |
| Medium-Sweet | Feinherb | Gently sweet, more approachable than trocken | ~18–30 (not officially set) | Often more drinkable young |
| Sweet | Lieblich / Mild | Noticeably sweet, dessert-friendly | >30 | Easy-drinking styles |
German Quality Classification (Prädikatswein)
| Level | Name | Ripeness | Typical Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ Kabinett | Light & elegant | Least ripe | Dry to sweet |
| 2️⃣ Spätlese | Late harvest | Riper than Kabinett | Off-dry to sweet, richer texture |
| 3️⃣ Auslese | Select harvest | Very ripe grapes | Often sweet, suitable for aging |
| 4️⃣ Beerenauslese (BA) | Berry selection | Botrytis-affected grapes | Lusciously sweet, dessert wines |
| 5️⃣ Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA) | Dried berry selection | Highly shriveled, botrytized | Extremely sweet, rare and expensive |
| 6️⃣ Eiswein | Ice wine | Frozen grapes | Pure, sweet, high acidity |
🌿 Kabinett – Light, Refreshing, and Food-Friendly
Think of Kabinett as the most graceful style of Riesling — low in alcohol, high in freshness, and beautifully balanced with crisp acidity. It’s the perfect choice for Singapore’s tropical climate and a wonderful companion for spicy or savoury dishes.
✨ Featured Wine
Max Ferdinand Richter Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2022
Dry (“Trocken”) and elegant, this Mosel classic brims with aromas of lime zest, white peach, and mineral purity. On the palate, it’s sleek and refreshing, finishing with a clean, flinty edge.
💡 Perfect Pairing: Hainanese chicken rice, seafood, or a platter of sushi — anything light, fresh, and flavourful.
🍯 Auslese – Lush, Complex, and Decadent
Further up the ripeness ladder sits Auslese, crafted from hand-selected, late-harvest grapes. These wines are richer and often sweet, offering depth, intensity, and a luxurious texture.
✨ Featured Wine
Max Ferdinand Richter Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2022
A stunning expression of the Mosel, this wine delivers aromas of honey, apricot, and candied citrus. Lush and layered, it glides across the palate with vibrant acidity balancing its sweetness — a hallmark of perfect craftsmanship.
💡 Perfect Pairing: Blue cheese, foie gras, or even pineapple tarts during Lunar New Year — Auslese makes dessert pairing unforgettable.
🗺️ How to Read a Riesling Label
German wine labels may look intimidating, but once you know what to look for, they tell you everything:
✅ Tips for Understanding Labels:
- Vineyard Name: e.g., Brauneberger Juffer — a steep, slate-rich site along the Mosel.
- Producer: Max Ferdinand Richter — a historic estate known for elegant, terroir-driven wines since 1680.
- If the wine is labeled “Trocken”, it’s dry, regardless of the Prädikat level.
- A Spätlese Trocken is a dry wine made from late-harvest grapes — richer than a basic Trocken.
- The Prädikat level refers to ripeness at harvest, not sweetness.
- Vintage: e.g., 2022 — a warm, balanced year producing expressive Rieslings.
🍇 Finding Your Perfect Riesling Style
| If you enjoy... | Try... | Expect... |
|---|---|---|
| Crisp, mineral whites | Kabinett Trocken | Fresh lime, green apple, low alcohol |
| Balanced fruit & sweetness | Spätlese | Ripe pear, citrus, light sweetness |
| Sweet, rich dessert wines | Auslese | Honey, apricot, long luxurious finish |
No matter which you choose, Riesling always delivers balance — acidity and sweetness dancing in harmony.
Experience the Range at Straits Wine
From lively Kabinett to indulgent Auslese, Riesling is a journey worth exploring.
Discover Max Ferdinand Richter’s stunning Mosel expressions and find the perfect style for your next meal, gift, or celebration.
🛒 Shop our Riesling Collection → straitswine.com
