Sparkling Riesling Brut - VDP.Weingut Peter Lauer

This Sekt Riesling Brut from VDP.Weingut Peter Lauer is German sparkling wine in its purest form, made in Ayl – one of the coolest and most expressive Riesling villages along the Saar. The grapes grow on the steep slate slopes above the river, where blue Devonian slate gives the Riesling its unmistakable salinity, depth and vibrant tension. The estate has been run by the Lauer family for generations and stands for an uncompromising, terroir-driven hand – an approach the house's German Sekt follows with the same seriousness as its still wines. The tradition of producing sparkling wine using the classical method goes back more than a hundred years on the Saar and is firmly part of Lauer's identity.

In the glass it shows a pale gold with fine, long-lasting perlage. The nose is precise and cool: white peach blossom, citrus zest, green apple and a delicate hint of slate smoke, layered with a discreet brioche note from time on the lees. On the palate, the wine is taut and chalky, carried by razor-sharp Saar acidity, salty minerality and a fine, elegant mousse. The finish is long, clear and inviting.

The Sekt is made in a traditional, handcrafted way following the classical Champagne method: fermentation takes place in the individual bottle, and riddling is done by hand on traditional pupitres. Beneath the historic Art Nouveau building of the Joh. Förster wine cellar in Trier, in deep multi-level vaulted cellars, the Sekt matures for over twelve months:

A finesse-driven German Riesling Sekt in classic Saar style, defined by clarity, slate minerality and a fine mousse – an excellent aperitif, equally at home with food.