How is a Kabinett wine classified in Austria?

In Austria, a Kabinett wine is classified as a Prädikatswein. This classification system is based on the ripeness levels of the grapes at harvest, which ultimately influences the sweetness and quality of the wine. Prädikatswein represents wines of higher quality than Qualitätswein and includes various categories such as Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, and Trockenbeerenauslese.

Kabinett wines are typically lighter, fresher, and can range from dry to off-dry in sweetness. They are made from grapes that have reached a certain level of ripeness, but not as high as those required for Spätlese or Auslese classifications.

The other classifications mentioned do not apply to Kabinett. Qualitätswein refers to a broader category of quality wines that do not meet the specific sugar ripeness levels for Prädikatswein. Landwein pertains to a more general category of regional wines of ordinary quality, while Trockenbeerenauslese denotes a very high-quality sweet wine made from overripe grapes affected by noble rot, which is significantly different from the Kabinett style.