German Sekt

Question 1

Introduction of German Sekt.

Answer 1

Sekt (sparkling wine produced in Germany) is produced in huge volumes. Germany is the largest sparkling wine market in the world. And 80% of this demand is satisfied by domestic production.

Question 2

Location of German Sekt.

Answer 2

The vast majority is made from inexpensive base wine sourced from outside Germany: mainly Italy, Spain and France.

Question 3

What are the grape varieties for German Sekt ?

Answer 3

• No Limitations.

* Out of varieties grown in Germany, the most popular varieties are Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Question 4

Explain the winemaking of German Sekt.

Answer 4

• Mostly tank method (also called Charmat or Martinotti method).
• Some premium Sekt made by traditional method.
• Minimum 10% abv and 3.5 bar of pressure.

Question 5

What are the classifications of German Sekt ?

Answer 5

1) Sekt: literally “sparkling wine”. Base wines sources from any EU country.
2) Deutscher Sekt: base wines sourced from Germany.
3) Sekt b.A.: base wines from a specified German quality region.
4) Winzersekt: premium Sekt from a single vintage and grape. Estate grown and bottled. Traditional method with minimum 9 months lees ageing.
5) Vintage and varietal Sekt: must include 85% of the vintage or grape variety.

Question 6

What are the important trade structures of Sekt ?

Answer 6

• Large businesses such as Rotkappchen dominate production.

* Premium Sekt increasingly popular albeit from a very small base.