Gutswein
Definition - What does Gutswein mean?
In the context of wine classifications, Gutswein is a wine rating of Germany. Wines labelled Gutwein, are regulated by the Verband deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP) and the the Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates which stipulates the varietals and production methods of these wines.
The Gutswein rating is considered an entry-level house wine in the tier rating system of the VDP that has met the general standards as outlined by the VDP. The Gutswein rating is a good introductory wine to the VDP's hierarchy that links wine quality with origin.
WineFrog explains Gutswein
When you buy a bottle of wine that is labelled Gutswein, you are buying a wine that has been produced under the regulations and criteria of the VDP, which is a small elite group of German vintners who uphold the highest level of terroir-driven viticulture. Gutswein wines will be labeled with the wine estate or vineyard, the region and the grape variety used to make the wine, along with the classification of VDP. Gutswein on the label is optional, but a Gutswein rating indicates that the vineyard producing the wine is planted with 80% of traditional grape varieties typical to the region.
In terms of the linguistic origin of the term Gutswein, it serves as a synonym for regional, and it translates to the English term "village", indicating that the wine is a regional product.
