Auslese is the designation for a certain type of Austrian and German wine.
The word is perhaps best translated as read, selected, where read (NL) and read (D) both mean to search. In addition, the German word lesen also has the meaning to harvest.
A wine may bear the 'Auslese' designation if it complies with certain legal provisions. For example, only fully ripe grapes with a certain minimum must weight may be used. This is well above 83° degrees Oechsle. Harvest dates, grape variety and vineyards are also accurately described. The grapes are picked by hand to avoid damage. Bad and damaged grapes must be removed from the bunches (Aus-lesen, sort out). Due to the late harvest, the grape contains extra sugar and flavorings, which gives the wine made from it extra taste.
Not by definition is an Auslese sweet wine. The better winemakers, especially in the Moselle area and the Rheingau, are able to produce 'dry' Auslesen. These are wines where virtually all sugar is fermented during the winemaking process. As a result, the wine no longer tastes sweet. The label will then read: "Trocken".
Auslese wines can age for a very long time, while also evolving in taste.
