Deutscher Tafelwein (DTW)

[DOYT-shur TAH-fuhl-vyn] A phrase indicating that a wine is 100 percent "German table wine," used to distinguish it from other European countries using German-style labeling. Deutscher Tafelwein is Germany's lowest category of wine and must contain a minimum of 81⁄2 percent of alcohol by volume. The labels for such wine must indicate the name of one of Germany's broad growing regions-Bayern, Neckar, Oberhein, or Rhein-Mosel. The term Deutscher Tafelwein is officially recognized by the European Economic Community, meaning other members must abide by the labeling conventions. When used by itself, the word Tafelwein on a label indicates that the wine is not German; the label should specify the country of origin. See also germany; landwein; qualitätswein bestimmter anbaugebiete; qualitätswein mit prädikat.