Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

A Bereich refers to what in German wine classification?

1. Single vineyard

2. Collection of vineyards

3. District of villages and vineyards

4. Quality wine from one of the 13 major regions

The correct answer is: District of villages and vineyards

The term "Bereich" in the context of German wine classification indeed refers to a district that encompasses a collection of villages and vineyards. In German wine hierarchy, the classification system is structured; the "Bereich" serves as a mid-level categorization, which sits within larger regions known as Anbaugebiete. Within a "Bereich," you can find multiple wine-producing villages, each contributing to the overall flavor and character of wines produced in that area. This system allows for a nuanced understanding of wine origins, enabling consumers to appreciate the diversity of terroirs within broader regions. This classification recognizes local conditions and winemaking practices that distinguish wines from one "Bereich" to another, while still being part of a recognized larger unit of production. The other options are significant concepts within the German wine classification but do not accurately define a "Bereich." A single vineyard denotes a more specific, singular site, while the term for a collection of vineyards may refer to other classifications. Quality wine from one of the major regions describes broader categories, not the specific district structure defined by a "Bereich."