Erste Lage

Erste Lage meaning in German wine

Erste Lage is a VDP classification for first-class German vineyard sites with proven potential for distinctive, high-quality wines. In the VDP hierarchy it is generally below Grosse Lage; it is closer to a premier-cru-style category than the absolute top tier. The term identifies a classified vineyard origin, not a grape variety or sweetness level. Dry wines from Erste Lage sites may use regional VDP designations such as Erstes Gewächs where applicable, while Grosses Gewächs is reserved for dry wines from Grosse Lage sites.