When, in 2015, the European regulation crystallised the creation of the Austrian Sekt Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) it merely mirrored the standard and expressiveness that, by years of winemaking expertise and considerate innovation, constructed the fame of a few of Austria’s most famed glowing producers. Austrian bubbles now rank alongside their famend European counterparts, with the distinct crimson and white stamp on every bottle as a reassuring marker of character and high quality. With the festive season across the nook, these are, above all, implausible celebratory, food-friendly wines that may work as good presents and dialog starters.
Virtually all Austrian glowing producers are, at first, excellent growers and skilled makers of nonetheless wines and, as such, have a novel affinity with the land, the varieties and the gastronomic traditions during which they’re immersed.
Three classes, the identical identification
Austrian Sekt PDO is organised into three distinct classes: the generic Austrian Sekt PDO, on the base of the pyramid, adopted by Austrian Sekt Reserve PDO, and Austrian Sekt Grosse Reserve PDO on the peak. All three classes have to be produced from Austria-grown grapes strictly from the varieties authorised for the manufacturing of Qualitätswein. Totally different additional necessities outline the distinct ranges and profile inside every class.
The youthful, vibrant and approachable fashion of Austrian Sekt PDO locations its emphasis on the freshness and purity of the range(ies) used. It may be produced following both the standard or tank technique, with a minimal requirement of, respectively, 9 or six months on the lees. Out there in all colors (white, rosé and crimson) and dosage ranges, these are lifted, easy-drinking wines that pair completely with canapés, smoked fish and Asian delicacies.
Traditional complexity
The Reserve and Grosse Reserve classes, however, are produced solely by the standard technique of glowing winemaking. Following a secondary fermentation in bottle, they endure maturation on the lees, previous to disgorgement, for at the least 18 and 36 months respectively. Solely hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed fruit can be utilized with most juice yields of 60% for Reserve and 50% for Grosse Reserve. The consequence are wines of nice purity, expressiveness and complexity that lend themselves to a wide range of meals pairing mixtures, from grilled fish, roasted poultry, creamy pasta and cheese platters.
A few of these Austrian Sekts are notably cellar-worthy, growing fascinating depth and tertiary traits over time. On the Grosse Reserve stage, for which solely grapes inside a similar municipality are used, terroir performs a very vital position, straight translating the traits of a area, of its grapes and of its individuals right into a word-class bottle of fizz.
An invite to deliver a brand new sparkle to your festive desk, with the standard and heat Austrian winemakers are so recognized for.
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Austrian Tasting London
sixth February 2023
Science Museum
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