Halbtrocken


Literally “half-dry” in German, the term Halbtrocken designates German wines that have between 5 and 18 g/l of residual sugar.

« Back to Wine Words Index

Halbtrocken translates as “half-dry” in German and is used to designate wines that have between 5 and 18 g/l of residual sugar depending on the total acidity. Today, the term is considered outdated and is used with declining frequency. Instead, producer prefer to use the term feinherb in its place.

Like feinherb, this designation is part of an older, more traditional set of terms used to describe the sweetness and quality of German wines, particularly Rieslings.

« Back to Wine Words Index

Feeling Thirsty?

Vietti Barolo ‘Brunate’ MAGNUM 2021

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

Cracking Brunate! A very complete wine. Tannins are so refined, even through the front and middle palate. Round chocolateyt mid-palate that tapers a little. Incredibly elegant,  again a poised acid-tannin complex with ripe, layered, silky tannin. Actually builds post swallow. Perfectly ripe and balanced. Incredible length. The core of fruit is insane. Oppulent & exceptional.Paul Kaan, WINE DECODED Sept 2025Brunate is also one of my favorite wines from Vietti (and, boy, is it har
$1,098
$1078ea in any 3+
$1058ea in any 6+

Paul Pilot Bourgogne Blanc Chardonnay 2022

Chardonnay | France, Burgundy

This comes mainly from a well-situated 0.6-hectare parcel of 35-year-old vines planted on a northeast-facing hillside just south of Chassagne. There is also a little Chassagne village fruit in the blend. The fruit is hand-picked, pressed and left to settle. It naturally ferments on lees for 12 months in small stainless-steel vats and older barrels. The wine is then blended and settled for a further six months in tank before bottling. This has always been a lovely drink, but today, the age of vin
$107
$102ea in any 3+
$97ea in any 6+
Arrivo Nebbiolo 2004
Museum Release!

Arrivo Nebbiolo 2004

Nebbiolo | South Australia, Adelaide Hills

Now in it’s 20th year of life! A rose and light musk perfume lift from the glass. You immediately expect sophistication after the first inhale. Alive, vital, with a sweet core of fruit just delicious. The persistence and length here is insane gracing your senses for an eon. Complete, comforting, as cerebral as you care to want whilst being as thirst quenching as you need. Layered, beautiful tannins, even and long. An ease, shape and flow.The secondary development yields a bewildering ar
$142
$137ea in any 3+
$132ea in any 6+
Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2015
Intoxicating! 🌹
It just invites you in! This is what wine is about! Costanti's 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva takes a good amount of time to blossom in the glass. It’s dusty and floral in character, blowing off notes of white smoke and crushed stone before showing a delightful mix of ripe plums, cherries and sweet spice balanced by hints of leather and flowery undergrowth. There’s a wonderful purity to its red berry fruits, guided by juicy acids and salty minerals, which creates a refreshing yet tactil
$425
$405ea in any 3+
$385ea in any 6+