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The Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP) met with the German Federal Minister of Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, at the Kaiserstuhl to discuss the problems facing German viticulture. In addition to climate change and rising costs for producers, the talks focussed primarily on origin profiling and classification. The VDP continues to oppose the idea that the strict, clearly regulated designations such as Erstes Gewächs (EG) and Großes Gewächs (GG), for which the association has fought for 30 years, could be watered down in the new legal classification.
Although these terms have been included in the new wine regulations, the conditions are inadequate. The VDP is therefore calling for "a new amendment to the wine ordinance with consistent guidelines for the implementation of Erste and Grosse Gewächse in the regions". Otherwise, the profiling of origin in Germany would be doomed to failure and would lead to the rejection of those who have the entire winegrowing industry in mind.
"As the VDP, we stand for viticulture and agriculture of the future and openness. In this respect, we are looking in the same direction. Because we all know that: We need decisive answers. This includes a consistent profiling of origin with clear guidelines for the introduction of Erste Gewächs and Grosses Gewächs as well as the motivation of those who are committed to the sustainable cultivation of our vineyards," said VDP President Steffen Christmann after the meeting.
(ru / Source: Press release)