Liebfraumilch is a semi-sweet white wine from Germany. It contains at least 70% Riesling, Sylvaner, Müller-Thurgau or Kerner grapes and typically has 18-40g/l of residual sugar.
How it is made
Production of Liebfraumilch occurs in German regions including Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Rheingau and Nahe. The wine must include at least 70% of Riesling, Sylvaner, Müller-Thurgau or Kerner grapes. With 18-40g/l of residual sugar, it is categorized as semi-sweet.
History
The name translates as 'milk of the dear woman', referring to the Virgin Mary. The original German spelling appeared in the 18th century for wine from vineyards of the Church of Our Lady in Worms. Large quantities were exported to English-speaking countries during the latter half of the 20th century.
Types and styles
Under German law, Liebfraumilch is classified as Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete (QbA), which is a third-rank wine. Outside Germany, it is often linked to inexpensive, sweet wine of lower quality.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Либфраумильх, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.