Sekt

What it is

Sekt is the name for sparkling wine in Germany, and the term is also used in Austria. It ranges from simple tank-method sparklers, sometimes made from base wine from other countries, to grower Sekt made by the traditional method from the producer's own grapes. Riesling Sekt stands out for its lively acidity and citrus, apple and floral aromas; Pinot-based Sekt tends to be creamier. Its defining trait is an aromatic freshness that often owes more to the grape than to lees ageing.

How it is made

The second fermentation can take place in a sealed tank (Charmat method) or in the bottle (traditional method). The label indicates origin: 'Deutscher Sekt' means German grapes, 'Sekt b.A.' grapes from a specific German wine region, and 'Winzersekt' a traditional-method sparkling wine made from the grower's own grapes.

What to serve it with

• Aperitifs
• Smoked fish
• Asian cuisine
• White asparagus
• Salads and cold starters

On the wine list

• Show the grape and the method (traditional or tank): a traditional-method Riesling Sekt and a basic tank Sekt are very different products.
• It often works well by the glass as a fresh, aromatic sparkler and an original alternative to Cava or Prosecco.
• Check the sweetness level: on sparkling wine, 'Trocken' or 'Extra Trocken' does not mean very dry and usually tastes noticeably sweet; for a dry style, look for Brut, Extra Brut or Brut Nature.