What is Charta in the context of Rheingau Riesling?

• A. An international wine rating system
• B. An association of wine retailers in the Rheingau
• C. An organization created to promote the classic, dry style of Rheingau Riesling
• D. A German wine festival

Answer: (C)

Charta is an association formed by Rheingau winemakers to promote the classic, dry style of Rheingau Riesling. It functions as a collective identity and quality pledge, signaling wines from member producers that aim for dryness, restrained sweetness, bright acidity, and a sense of terroir-driven character rather than fruit-forward or off-dry styles. This isn’t an international rating system, nor an association of retailers, and it isn’t a festival; it’s a cooperative effort to preserve and communicate a specific stylistic tradition within Rheingau Riesling.