How the base wine becomes Sekt
The production of Sekt begins with a base wine which must have an alcohol content of at least 9 volume percent. For sparkling wine, the grapes are harvested when ripe, albeit a bit earlier than for a conventional still wine. At that point, they exhibit a lower sugar content and higher acidity. It is this wine that is needed to make Sekt. A sugar-yeast mixture is then added to the base wine in order to stimulate a secondary fermentation. During this process, the wine is kept in a pressure vessel from which the ensuing carbon dioxide cannot escape. The vessel can be a steel tank, but - when it is made with the traditional method - it can also be the bottle in which you later purchase your Sekt. Especially inexpensive Sekt is most often fermented in steel pressure tanks. Following secondary fermentation, the Sekt begins a resting period which can last several months. This period, in turn, is followed by the removal of the yeast sediment – the lees - which is done by first riddling the bottles and then disgorging the sediment that has gathered in the bottleneck if the Sekt has been made in the traditional method. At this point, the dosage, either a mixture of wine and sugar or simply a sweet wine, is added to make up for the loss of wine caused by removal of the yeast sediment. This, and only this, is what determines the sweetness of the finished Sekt, which can range from brut nature (no additional sweetness) to brut, dry, semi-dry and even sweet. At the end of the process, Sekt must have an alcohol content of at least at least 10 volume percent.
Quality Categories: What is the difference between Sekt and Winzersekt?
The designation 'Sekt' already stands for a quality sparkling wine that is different from other sparkling wines such as Prosecco, at least in its 'Tranquillo' form, and Frizzante. If secondary bottle fermentation is used in the production of a Spumante, then it too can often be called 'Sekt'. You can also buy 'Winzersekt (Engl: vintner Sekt) which originates from a specific wine-growing region (b.A.) and has an even higher quality rating. In order for a Sekt to be classified as a Sekt b.A., the base wine must be a quality wine from a specific wine growing region (QbA), which is declared on the label. It must also undergo laboratory testing and intensive evaluation by officially licensed tasters. When you buy Winzersekt, you are ensured of a product whereby the base wine has been dosed with wine from both the same vintage and winery, and is made exclusively with the traditional bottle fermentation method.
Interesting facts about Sekt
At which temperature is Sekt best served?
The optimal refrigerator temperature is between 6 and 7 degrees Celsius. This temperature is ideal for a white Sekt. A rosé Sekt tastes best when served at a temperature one or two degrees higher. In this case, it is sufficient to take the bottle out of the refrigerator to rest in a cool spot out of direct sunlight for half an hour before serving. Red Sekt, in contrast, is best served a little warmer – at about 10 degrees Celsius.
How to Store Sekt Properly
Storing Sekt in a cool dark place is unproblematic. The bottles should, however, be stored upright, not horizontally. It is very easy to store Sekt in the door of the refrigerator where it cools to drinking temperature in just a few hours. If the Sekt does have to be cooled faster than that, do not place it in the freezer: It should be set into a Champagne bowl filled with ice water and ice cubes.
How long does Sekt keep?
In contrast to some other types of wine, the quality of Sekt from Germany and other countries does not improve with age – on the contrary. Very small amounts of carbon dioxide escape through the cork. This occurs faster with plastic corks than with high-quality natural corks. The Sekt not only loses its effervescence, its flavour also deteriorates. When you buy Sekt online, that doesn't, however, mean that you have to drink it right after it has been delivered. If it is correctly stored, simple Sekts can last for up to about 6 months, and top quality Sekt can be stored for about two to four years.
How long does an opened bottle of Sekt keep?
The answer to this question is easy: a few hours. With a special Champagne closure and stored in the refrigerator, Sekt can still be enjoyed, albeit with a slight decrease in quality, for up to 24 hours. The special closure makes it possible to use up the rest of an opened Sekt bottle the following evening.
How many calories in a glass of Sekt
The calories in a glass of Sekt depend upon both its alcohol and sugar content. For example: A dry Sekt with 12.5 volume percent - or ten grams of alcohol in 100 ml - will have about 71 calories in addition to about 8 calories from is sugar content for a total of just under 80 calories per glass. This type of Sekt thus contains about 600 calories per bottle.
Which foods does Sekt go with?
Sekt is traditionally served in Champagne glasses as an apéritif. Sekt goes well with salmon canapés, bruschetta, delicious vol-au-vents or puff pastry filled with ragout fin. A good Sekt can also be paired with a light starter such as poached fish or steamed vegetables. A truly royal marriage takes place when Winzersekt is paired with asparagus. The most noble of vegetables harmonises perfectly with this sparkling pleasure.
Buy Sekt on invoice from Vinello and enjoy many other benefits!
You can not only buy Sekt at great prices from Vinello. An our online wine shop, you also have the opportunity – even from your first order – to buy wine and many other gourmet products on invoice. You, of course, also have the opportunity to order Sekt online from us and select from the 15 other payment methods we offer. Whichever method you choose, you receive our 28-day money back guarantee. And at Vinello, you also buy the best wine. Ordering Sekt online from Vinello couldn't be any safer, more convenient or fast.
