Auslese

Auslese is a German wine designation within the Prädikatswein category, meaning "selected harvest." The term refers to wines made from grapes that have ripened to an advanced level and were picked carefully by hand, often in a two-pass selection to choose the very ripest berries. In practice, Auslese can be produced from Riesling and several other varieties, with Riesling being by far the most common in traditional German wine regions.

In style, Auslese wines are typically richer and more concentrated than Spätlese, with noticeable sweetness balanced by acidity. The flavors often include ripe stone fruit such as apricot and peach, citrus, and sometimes honeyed or perfumed notes, particularly when botrytis-affected berries contribute. The wines vary in sweetness from off-dry to visibly sweet, depending on the vintage and winemaking choices. They are usually enjoyed as late-harvest expressions but maintain enough acidity to age well.

Auslese sits higher on the Prädikat scale than Kabinett and Spätlese, and below Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese, reflecting the progressively riper grapes and higher sugar content used in production. They are commonly aged for several years and can develop complex tertiary aromas over time. Best serving temperature is cool to moderate chilling, and they pair with fruit-based desserts, foie gras, creamy cheeses, and dishes with rich sauces.