Spätlese

Spätlese is a wine designation in Germany for late-harvest wines within the Prädikatswein system. The term comes from German spät meaning late and lese meaning harvest. Grapes designated as Spätlese are picked later than those used for Kabinett, resulting in higher ripeness at harvest and higher potential alcohol. The style may be dry or sweet, depending on winemaking and residual sugar; the term does not imply a specific sweetness level.

Most commonly produced from Riesling, particularly in the Mosel, but also found in the Rhine regions and elsewhere, Spätlese wines emphasize ripe fruit flavors such as peach, apricot, and citrus, often with and balanced by pronounced acidity. In some cases, grapes may show botrytis-affected character, but such wines are typically classified as higher Prädikatsstufen such as Auslese or Beerenauslese.

In classification terms, Spätlese sits above Kabinett and below Auslese within the Prädikatswein hierarchy, reflecting the higher must weight required for the category. Spätlese wines frequently benefit from aging; Rieslings in particular can develop more complex aromas, including petrol notes, with time.

Regionally, the Mosel is especially associated with Spätlese, as are Rheingau and Nahe, though the style appears in other German wine regions as well. The designation provides a general expectation of ripeness and intensity, while exact sweetness, body, and aging potential are determined by the grape, harvest conditions, and winemaking decisions.