Trockenbeerenauslese

Botrytisgrape

Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA) is a term from the German wine classification system that denotes a very sweet, concentrated dessert wine made from grapes that have been allowed to shrivel into raisins while still on the vine, a process facilitated by the noble rot fungus, Botrytis cinerea. This classification is part of the Prädikatswein category, which is the highest quality level in the German wine quality system. Trockenbeerenauslese wines are rare and are considered some of the finest and most complex sweet wines in the world.

Production

The production of Trockenbeerenauslese wine is labor-intensive and requires a great deal of skill and patience. Grapes are left on the vine well into the autumn, and sometimes into the early winter, to achieve the desired level of dehydration and concentration of sugars. The presence of noble rot is essential as it punctures the skin of the grapes, allowing water to evaporate while concentrating the sugars, acids, and other solids in the grape. Harvesting is often done by hand, with workers selecting only the most shriveled grapes for this prestigious wine.

Characteristics

Trockenbeerenauslese wines are characterized by their intense sweetness, balanced by high acidity, which prevents them from being cloying. They often exhibit complex flavors and aromas, including honey, dried fruit, spices, and sometimes a distinctive botrytis note. These wines are incredibly long-lived, with the best examples aging well for decades, developing even greater complexity over time.

Regions

While Trockenbeerenauslese wines can be produced in any of the German wine regions, they are most commonly associated with the Rheingau, Mosel, and Pfalz regions. The specific microclimates of these areas, with their misty autumns, are particularly conducive to the development of noble rot.

Food Pairing

Due to their sweetness and complexity, Trockenbeerenauslese wines are often enjoyed on their own as a dessert. However, they can also pair beautifully with a variety of foods, including foie gras, blue cheeses, and fruit-based desserts. Their high acidity makes them versatile partners to rich and intensely flavored dishes.

Legal Requirements

In Germany, the designation Trockenbeerenauslese is legally defined and subject to strict regulations. Grapes must reach a very high level of must weight (a measure of the sugar content in the grape juice) at the time of harvest. The use of chaptalization (the addition of sugar to the grape must) is not permitted for wines labeled as Trockenbeerenauslese.

Market

Due to the labor-intensive production process and the rarity of the conditions required for making Trockenbeerenauslese, these wines are often produced in very small quantities and can be quite expensive. However, for many wine enthusiasts, the unique experience they offer makes them well worth the price.