Unlocking Potential

By Nicole Wolbers

Riesling is admired for its complexity, longevity, and ability to reflect its terroir. The same is slowly becoming true in the sparkling wine sector, where bubble enthusiasts are discovering what aged Rieslingsekt can offer. 
 

In the world of German wines, Riesling is the undisputed star. Still wines gained their historical reputation as early as the 15th century, while the 18th and 19th centuries witnessed the rise of traditional method sekt. Over time, large companies monopolized the production of cheap, tank-fermented sparkling wine, until smaller, individual wineries were finally allowed to produce and sell their sparkling wines in the early 1980s. This led to a gradual move among sekt makers towards the traditional method (Winzersekt), which today makes up about 3% of total German sekt production.
 

Germany proudly claims the largest share (40%) of Riesling plantings worldwide. Out of all 100 permitted grape varieties, nearly half (44%) of German wine consumers prefer the pleasures of Riesling in their glasses. According to the Deutsches Weininstitut, Riesling accounts for 41% of all registered Sekt b.A., followed by Spätburgunder (7%) and Weißburgunder (5%). These statistics highlight Riesling's role as the go-to grape for German sekt.
 

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