What is Beerenauslese?
Beerenauslese: An Exceptional Noble Sweet Wine
Beerenauslese is one of the most refined noble sweet wines in the world. The name comes from German and literally means "selection of berries." This wine belongs to the Prädikatswein category, a designation for the highest quality wines in Germany. What makes Beerenauslese so special is the way the grapes are harvested. Only the grapes that are extremely ripe and often affected by noble rot (botrytis cinerea) are selected by hand. This process ensures that the grapes develop an intense concentration of natural sugars and acids, which leads to a complex and rich taste.
How is Beerenauslese made?
The production process of Beerenauslese is both time-consuming and precise. The grapes are harvested late in the season, often in autumn or early winter, when they have reached a high sugar content. The influence of noble rot causes the grapes to lose their moisture, further concentrating the sugars, acids and aromas. This creates a very sweet wine with a complex flavour structure, in which notes of honey, dried fruit, apricot and exotic fruits are clearly present.
Not every vintage is suitable for the production of Beerenauslese, because the right climatic conditions are essential for the development of noble rot. This makes these wines rare and often expensive, which only reinforces their exclusive character.
Taste profile of Beerenauslese
The flavor profile of a good Beerenauslese is unique and unforgettable. The balance between sweetness and acidity is perfect, making the wine feel fresh and not overly sweet. The long maturation in the bottle adds extra complexity. Typical aromas you can expect are dried apricots, honey, raisins, quince, and sometimes even a hint of caramel. Despite its sweetness, the wine retains a nice freshness, making it very suitable to pair with both desserts and savory dishes such as foie gras or blue cheeses.
For wine lovers and connoisseurs, Beerenauslese is an absolute must-have in the collection. The wine is not only delicious to drink on its own, but also offers excellent storage possibilities. Due to its high sugar content, a bottle of Beerenauslese can mature for decades, during which the flavors continue to develop and deepen. With age, the wine often becomes even more intense and rich, making it an excellent choice for special occasions or as an investment.
What is the difference between Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese?
Although both Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese are noble sweet wines and are both made from overripe grapes, there are important differences between the two. Beerenauslese is made from grapes that have been affected by noble rot and therefore have a high sugar content. These grapes are carefully selected by hand. The sweetness is considerable, but in Beerenauslese a fresh acidity often remains, which provides a nice balance.
Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA) goes one step further in concentration and intensity. For this wine, only the very last, extremely dried grapes are used, which are almost raisin-like due to the influence of botrytis. This makes the sugar content even higher, and the taste even more concentrated and complex than with Beerenauslese. Trockenbeerenauslese is generally even rarer and more expensive, as production is only possible in very exceptional years, when the climatic conditions are perfect.
Where Beerenauslese is already a delicious dessert wine, Trockenbeerenauslese is a true nectar that can often mature for a very long time and is only opened on special occasions. Both wines are sweet and refined, but Trockenbeerenauslese is usually sweeter and more complex, with a more intense taste experience.
Serving and storage tips
Beerenauslese is best served chilled, at around 8-10°C. This will allow the freshness and complex aromas to really come into their own. It can be paired with a wide range of dishes, from rich desserts like crème brûlée to salty cheeses and even spicy Asian dishes.
If you decide to store the wine, make sure it is stored in a cool, dark place where the temperature is stable. Thanks to its high sugar and acid content, a bottle of Beerenauslese can age for decades without any problems. This makes the wine not only a tasty treat, but often a good investment.
How Long Does a Beerenauslese Stay Good After Opening?
An opened bottle of Beerenauslese retains its quality longer than most wines, thanks to its high sugar and acid content that acts as a natural preservative. This makes it possible to keep the wine for a week and a half after opening, without losing much of its freshness and flavor. Ideally, close the bottle tightly with a vacuum pump or a cork and store it in the refrigerator. In this way, Beerenauslese can still retain its original sweetness and aromatic complexity for 1 to 2 weeks after opening.
Please note that the wine can slowly lose some of its freshness over time and the sweetness can become more prominent. If you want to retain the full experience, it is advisable to drink the wine within the first week after opening.
Want to buy Beerenauslese? Check out our beautiful collection of (Trocken)Beerenauslese.
Photo: Grapes affected by noble rot (botrytis cinerea)