Germany – sparkling wine

In Germany, carbonation charmat, transfer and traditional (MCC) methods are all used to produce sparkling wines. Cheap, carbonated wines called Schaumwein are virtually always consumed in Germany. Mention of ‘Champagne’ Method has been forbidden since 1994 and replaced by Flaschengärung nach dem Traditionellen Verfahren, although Klassische Flaschengärung is often used.

Sekt – Sparkling wines of this category can be produced using wine, grapes or juice from any country of the EU.  If the base wine is from a single country, the country name can be stated on the label.  For example, Spanish Sekt, French Sekt, Italian Sekt, German Sekt etc. Only Sekt should be labelled without country name if the base wine, grapes or juice comes from more than one country. CO₂ should be obtained by secondary fermentation not carbonation. The base wines should be of Tafelwein class or higher. Gas pressure should be at least 3.5 bars at 20°C. The alcohol degree should be 10% or higher.

Deutscher Sekt – Wines of this category should be produced in Germany entirely from German grapes and is usually made in a sweetish-fizzy style, using Germany’s more affordable varieties from economical regions (like Müller-Thurgau). The wines are not allowed to use a protected designation of origin but will have the country of origin on the bottle. Most base model German Sekt wines are made using the Tank (Prosecco) Method but must also use secondary fermentation.

Deutscher Sekt b.A. – Quality sparkling wine from a protected designation of origin wine region. Quality starts at Sekt b.A., which specifies one of the 13 official German wines regions (Rheingau, Mosel, Pfalz, etc). Wines use regional grape varieties like Riesling, Silvaner, and Pinot Noir, and it’s even possible to find some Sekt b.A. made like MCC using the Traditional Method and a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Because there are no rules specifying winemaking method it’s somewhat difficult to verify quality. If the method of production is the Traditional Method, it is often labelled “Klassische Flaschengärung”

Winzersekt – High quality, single-varietal, estate-grown sparkling wines. Winzersekt is Germany’s attempt to define high quality Sekt. This style of Sekt is most commonly made with the Riesling varietal, although it’s possible to find them produced of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and even Pinot Noir (as rosé). To qualify, wines must comply with the following strict rules:

• Grape variety must be listed
• Vintage must be on the label
• Produced using the traditional method
• Grapes must come from a producer’s or cooperative’s combined vineyards
• Wines must be made in the same region where they’re grown

[Deutscher (say it – Doyt- sher)]