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Wine Glossary: K

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Kabinett (Germany, Austria)
The lowest category of wines in the Prädikat. The minimum required must weight varies from region to region, and when comparing Germany and Austria. In the Mosel, Germany's greatest wine region, the minimum must weight is 70 Oechsle. In Austria it is 17 KMW. The wines, unless from a rich vintage, tend to be dry and low in alcohol.

KMW (Austria)
An abbreviation for Klosterneuburger Mostwaage, a measurement of must weight used in Austria. A more widespread equivalent, which is used in Germany, is the Oechsle scale. Elsewhere you are more likely to hear of Baumé and Brix. 1 KMW is equivalent to approximately 5 Oechsle. It is vital for the winemaker to determine the must weight in Germany and Austria because it determines the Prädikat category - Kabinett, Spätlese or Auslese - under which the wine will be labelled. My article on must weight in my Sweet Wine series gives more information.

Glossary pages: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W XYZ