In ancient times
people were already interested in the wine varieties and provenance. During Homer's lifetime, people were not just content with drinking ordinary table wines, but brought in special varieties from far away. 

In Germany, the Romans used grape varieties that were closely related to the indigenous wild vine and varieties such as “Pinot” and “Riesling” .

In medieval times
German wine drinkers began developing an appreciation of wine quality and varieties. One reason for this was the introduction of sulphur dioxide to preserve the wine. This helps the wine keep its colour and the typical bouquet of the variety. From now on, it was possible to recognize and appreciate the specific flavours of a grape variety.

During the 16^th and 17^th centuries, the different wines were increasingly becoming known under the names of the varieties. The quality varieties of the day were Muscat, Pinot Noir, Räuschling, Riesling and Traminer.

Safety through diversity
was the long-standing motto of the wine-growers. A vineyard was stocked with several varieties (field blend). Early varieties provided sweetness, late varieties added volume and the acidity, which helps preserve the wine. Experience had shown that yields were more reliable in mixed stock than in single-variety vineyards.

In the 19^th and 20^th centuries, the field blend was increasingly being replaced by single-variety vineyards. The large wine estates were at the vanguard of this development, and clonal selection helped to ensure and increase yields. Here the only best, high-yielding plants in a vineyard were selected to produce a premium stock.

80 varieties
have been approved for cultivation in Germany. However, ¾ of the wine-growing area in Germany is planted with just a small number of white and red wine varieties. The labels on the wine bottles from the Rheingau are dominated by Riesling and Spätburgunder (Pinot noir).

The German Wine Law from 1971 states that the grape variety may only be printed on the label if the wine contains at least 85% of that variety. .

“Classic” and “Selection” are new classes for wines. For the wine purchaser, “Classic“ indicates that this is a high-quality wine, produced from an approved variety for a specific region. The wine is  is  “well-balanced and dry” (maximum sugar level: acidity x 2; max 15 g/l). “Selection” signifies a dry top quality wine from selected vineyards with a restricted yield and which has been picked by hand.