Spatlese

/SHPAYT-lay-zuh/

German late-harvest wine designation.

Full Definition

Spatlese ('late harvest') is a German Pradikat level indicating grapes picked at least a week after normal harvest, with higher must weights. Wines can be dry (trocken) or off-dry/sweet. Spatlese represents the beginning of late-harvest styles, above Kabinett and below Auslese. It's often a sweet spot for quality and value.