What characteristic defines QbA wines in Germany?

• A. It is defined by region and minimum must weight.
• B. It is defined by grape ripeness at harvest.
• C. It is defined by alcohol content.
• D. It is defined by color.

Answer: (A)

QbA wines are defined by where they come from and the must weight the grapes reach at harvest. The region (an approved wine-growing area) sets the geographic boundary, while the minimum must weight ensures a baseline quality by guaranteeing enough sugar and potential alcohol for wines from that region. This combination distinguishes QbA from categories that are based on how ripe the grapes are (a trait used for higher Prädikatswein levels), as well as from distinctions by color or mere alcohol content. In short, origin plus minimum must weight is what defines QbA.