German Auslese Riesling Wines

Auslese – literally meaning “selection” – refers to a style of wine made from carefully selected overripe, shrivelled and/or botrytised Riesling grapes. These late-harvest berries, often affected by noble rot (botrytis cinerea), undergo a natural concentration process, resulting in wines of remarkable richness, structure, and complexity.

Botrytis gradually dries the grapes, concentrating not only the sugars but also the acids and aromatics. This imparts hallmark aromas of honey, saffron, beeswax, and a subtle earthy spice, all underpinned by vivid acidity and exceptional ageing potential.

Auslesen are almost always sweet, with sugar levels typically between 60-130g/l, balanced by piercing natural acidity and alcohol levels around 7-10%. On the palate, expect a medley of candied citrus peel, dried stone fruits, herbal tinctures, and sweet spice. These are wines of grandeur, capable of ageing gracefully for decades — even centuries — developing into something truly ethereal.

In recent dry vintages like 2018, 2020, and 2022, many Auslesen were made purely from shrivelled and dried berries, as the conditions were often too dry for botrytis to thrive. The resulting wines are brilliantly clear, vibrant, and expressive of site and vintage.

Below is a curated selection of Auslese from some of Germany’s most esteemed producers, including members of the VDP. Discover wines from iconic regions such as the Mosel, Rheingau, Nahe, and beyond.

Whether you're looking to build a collection or experience the magic of German sweet wines for the first time, this collection brings together some of the most compelling Auslese bottlings available today.