Austrian Sekt PDO - Sparkling wines for a Christmas full of character

Credit: Robert Herbst

(Image credit: Robert Herbst)

When, in 2015, the European law crystallised the creation of the Austrian Sekt Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) it simply reflected the quality and expressiveness that, through years of winemaking experience and thoughtful innovation, built the reputation of some of Austria’s most renowned sparkling producers. Austrian bubbles now rank alongside their renowned European counterparts, with the distinct red and white stamp on each bottle as a reassuring marker of character and quality. With the festive season around the corner, these are, above all, fantastic celebratory, food-friendly wines that will work as perfect gifts and conversation starters.

Almost all Austrian sparkling producers are, first and foremost, outstanding growers and experienced makers of still wines and, as such, have a unique affinity with the land, the varieties and the gastronomic traditions in which they are immersed.

Three categories, the same identity

Austrian Sekt PDO is organised into three distinct categories: the generic Austrian Sekt PDO, at the base of the pyramid, followed by Austrian Sekt Reserve PDO, and Austrian Sekt Grosse Reserve PDO at the peak. All three categories must be produced from Austria-grown grapes strictly from the varieties approved for the production of Qualitätswein. Different further requirements define the distinct levels and profile within each category.

The youthful, vibrant and approachable style of Austrian Sekt PDO places its emphasis on the freshness and purity of the variety(ies) used. It can be produced following either the traditional or tank method, with a minimum requirement of, respectively, nine or six months on the lees. Available in all colours (white, rosé and red) and dosage levels, these are lifted, easy-drinking wines that pair perfectly with canapés, smoked fish and Asian cuisine.

Classic complexity

The Reserve and Grosse Reserve categories, on the other hand, are produced exclusively through the traditional method of sparkling winemaking. Following a secondary fermentation in bottle, they undergo maturation on the lees, prior to disgorgement, for at least 18 and 36 months respectively. Only hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed fruit can be used with maximum juice yields of 60% for Reserve and 50% for Grosse Reserve. The result are wines of great purity, expressiveness and complexity that lend themselves to a variety of food pairing combinations, from grilled fish, roasted poultry, creamy pasta and cheese platters.

Some of these Austrian Sekts are particularly cellar-worthy, developing interesting depth and tertiary characteristics over time. At the Grosse Reserve level, for which only grapes within a same municipality are used, terroir plays a particularly important role, directly translating the characteristics of a region, of its grapes and of its people into a word-class bottle of fizz.

An invitation to bring a new sparkle to your festive table, with the quality and warmth Austrian winemakers are so known for.