The definitive guide to Sekt: production, types, and pairing

Sparkling wines are increasingly on trend, and as the weather grows warmer, they become even more desirable. One particular sparkler you may not be familiar with is Sekt, a German sparkling wine generally produced using the Charmat method, the same technique used to create Prosecco.

The charm of charmat method

A method of producing sparkling wine that was conceived by Eugène Charmat in 1916, the Charmat technique prefers a stainless steel vessel for conducting the second fermentation, rather than the bottle used in making Champagne or Cava. This approach permits larger quantities of wine to ferment at once.

This procedure is carried out by placing the wine in steel tanks and adding a blend of sugar and yeast, known as licor de tiraje. This process lasts for about ten days, during which the wine develops new aromas and flavors. The result is a sparkling wine with a more fruity taste, produced in a shorter amount of time.

Sekt: a refreshing and fruitful indulgence

Broadly speaking, these sparkling wines are quite fresh, with fruity aromas and are easily drinkable. The quality can range from mediocre to excellent, which is mirrored in the price points.

Although Sekt does not have regional protection, meaning it can be made from white wines from Spain, France, or Italy, those created in Germany carry the appellation 'Deutscher Sekt'. This is where we find quality sparkling wines hailing from one of the country's 13 wine regions, specified on the label.

Identifying a quality sekt

Not all bubbles are created equal. The most authentic and superior Sekt is the one fermented in the bottle, following the traditional method. However, this is somewhat unusual in this type of wine, as only 1.7% of Sekts are made using this method.

Delving into the types of sekt

• Sekt: This is a sparkling wine made anywhere (typically within the EU) that is not Germany. Produced by the Charmat method, these are usually made for local consumption.
• Sekt b.A. (Sekt bestimmter Anbaugebiete): This sparkling wine must be made with German grapes grown in one of the 13 wine regions. The fermentation can be carried out either in a tank or bottle. Typically, Riesling, Silvaner, and Pinot Noir grape varieties are used. However, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can also be utilized.
• Winzersekt: This is a Sekt b.A. made from grapes grown on the estate and fermented in the bottle. The grape variety and vintage must be listed on the label (and at least 85% of the grapes must come from the indicated variety and vintage). Winzersekt represents the high-quality Sekt. While typically produced with the Riesling variety, these wines can also be made with other varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, or Pinot Gris.
• Crémant: This sparkling wine must be made from manually harvested grapes and pressing whole clusters. The fermentation should follow the traditional method, and the wine should be aged for at least nine months on lees.
• Perlwein: These are semi-sparkling carbonated wines. This category ranges from very poor to high quality. The gems in this category can be discovered either through good recommendations or extensive tasting.

Aging and classification

As for aging, there's a classification as well:

• VDP.Sekt: Must age for a minimum of 15 months on lees.
• VDP.Jahrgangssekt: Its aging on lees should be a minimum of 24 months.
• VDP.Sekt Prestige: In this case, its aging should be at least 36 months on lees.

The perfect pair: sekt and food

This type of wine wonderfully complements salty or spicy foods (but don't overdo it, as the bubbles intensify the spicy sensation in the mouth). It's also perfect for salads and pickles.

If you opt for a semi-dry Sekt, you can pair it with a light dessert, such as a cake.

Now that you're more familiar with this sparkling wine, we encourage you to try it if you haven't done so already. As you indulge, remember that, like all wines, the joy of Sekt is found not only in the tasting but also in the discovery.