Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete (QbA) (German for “quality wine of a designated region”) – this category encompasses the largest number of German wines. These wines come from eleven specified winegrowing regions.
All wines carrying this rating are produced from grape varieties that have been approved and which have reached levels of ripeness that allow the wines made from them to reach a certain traditional level of taste and style. These wines tend to light, fresh and fruity and are produced to be consumed while in their youth.
Wines having this designation pass a three-step quality control examination that includes testing for ripeness in the vineyard at harvest time; clinical analysis to measure alcohol content, residual sugar, extract and acidity levels; and a sensory examination during a “blind tasting” where experts determine, not only if the color, clarity, smell and taste meet standards for overall balance and harmony, but whether the wine is typical of the region, grape variety, quality category, and vintage to be stated on the label.
Wines having this designation are rated above Tafelwein and Landwein but below the QmP wines. QbA wines have had sugar added in order to enhance alcohol levels (chapitalization), must be unblended, and from one of the 11 Anbaugebiet (wine growing regions).