Most people associate a Sekt with the grape Reisling but it is not a requirement. This one is not a typical German blend of grapes. It’s sort of a pet project of the winemaker, made in limited quantity and delicious.

Sekt is typically known for being made with Riesling. However, Sekt is simply the German term for a sparkling wine. This bottle is special. It’s a pet project from Stefan made in very limited quantities. The grapes were co-fermented, aged in old oak for 11 months, then aged for 3 years on lees in the bottle. The grape blend brings aromas of fresh strawberries, green apple, yellow pear, and flowers with the minerality the slate soils of Mosel are known for. On the palate, the minerality and fresh acidity of the grapes are perfectly balanced by the 7-9 g/l dosage, giving the mousse a creamy, soft texture and making it so easy to drink.

An easy-drinking sparkling wine that works with roasted chicken or pork and with lean white fish, seared or roasted. An Asian vegetable stir-fry with a little spice is another solid option.

Founded in the early 1900s, Stefan Steinmetz represents the fifth generation and took the helm as winemaker in 1999. Together with his wife and partner, Sammie, they have led Günther Steinmetz since 2014 with a commitment to traditional, nature-respecting methods. Eschewing additives, they avoid the uniformity of mass-produced wines. In Stefan’s own words, “The aim of my efforts is to create wines that are a 'fingerprint' of everything that makes up the character of a great location.”