Raumland - Triumvirat Grande Cuvée brut sparkling wine 2010 (disgorged 2017), Rheinhessen, Germany

Introduction: The German apotheosis of the Champagne method

Volker Raumland is not a winemaker who makes sparkling wine on the side, but one of the few German sparkling wine specialists whose name is held in the same esteem by connoisseurs as the great Champagne houses. The "Triumvirat" - the "rule of three" - is his ultimate prestige cuvée, which is based on the triad of classic Champagne grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. A vintage sparkling wine (2010) with seven years of yeast ageing before disgorgement (2017) and subsequent further bottle ageing represents the pinnacle of his artisanal approach. This is a sparkling wine that does not aspire to Germany, but to Épernay - and wins.

Sensory description (current state, 2024)

After a total of 14 years of ageing (7 years sur lie + 7 years post dégorgement), this sparkling wine is at the absolute peak of its complexity. It combines the mature autolysis of an old sparkling wine with the lively freshness of a younger disgorgement.

Perlage & colour

• Perlage: Extremely fine, creamy and dense. The bubbles are tiny and form a persistent, velvety mousse. The perlage serves the texture, not the tingling.

• Colour: A warm, radiant golden yellow with copper and amber reflections. The colour reveals the long maturation on the lees and the maturity of the 2010 vintage.

Nose

The bouquet is of impressive intensity, depth and complexity. It is a perfect example of a fully mature, autolysed sparkling wine nose.

• Autolysis & Maturity: Dominant, wonderful aromas of fresh brioche, shortbread, yeast cake, toasted hazelnuts and caramel.

• Ripe & dried fruit: Dried apricots, mirabelle plum jam, honeycomb, a hint of orange zest.

• Spice & minerality: Finely interwoven notes of ginger, saffron, a smoky minerality and a delicate, floral underlay (acacia).

• The signature of the grape varieties: The Pinot Noir spice (berry) and the elegance of the Chardonnay are fused in this complex whole.

Palate

The true greatness of this cuvée is revealed on the palate: a perfect balance between ripe fullness and lively structure.

• Texture: Absolutely silky, creamy and full-bodied. The sparkling wine washes over the palate with an almost still wine-like density and complexity. The texture is "broad" and inviting.

• Acidity: Perfectly integrated, lively and carrying. Despite its maturity, the acidity is the indispensable framework that gives the sparkling wine its freshness, length and astonishing youthfulness. It cuts through the ripe notes and prevents any heaviness.

• Flavour profile: A generous confirmation of the nose: brioche, nuts, ripe citrus fruits and exotic spice.

• Dosage (brut):Probably around 8-10 g/l, perfectly dosed to support the ripe flavours without being sweet. It rounds off and enhances the creamy texture.

• Finish: Exceptionally long, complex and persistent. The aftertaste of nuts, biscuits, honey and a salty minerality can linger for minutes. A finish of great nobility.

Vintage & production

• Vintage 2010 in Germany: An outstanding, classic and acid-accentuated vintage. Perfect for producing long-lasting, precise sparkling wines with good maturity and fresh structure.

• Degorgement 2017:Seven years of ageing on the lees ("sur lie") are a sign of the highest ambition and guarantee intense autolysis complexity. The subsequent bottle ageing after disgorgement allowed for harmonisation.

• Volker Raumland's philosophy: absolute focus on grape health, selective harvesting, gentle pressing and long storage on the lees. He works like a champagne house with his own cuvées and vintages.

Drinking maturity & ageing potential

• Current drinking maturity: The sparkling wine has fully reached its optimum drinking window and now offers the perfect balance between mature autolysis complexity and retained, lively freshness.

• Storage potential: If stored in a cool, dark place, it can keep its shape for another 5-8 years. It will develop even more "rancio" and nutty flavours, but will slowly lose its freshness. Now is the ideal time.

Rating & Recommendations

Rating: 96/100 points

An absolutely world-class sparkling wine that masterfully demonstrates the great art of traditional bottle fermentation. In terms of complexity and depth, it is in no way inferior to a great champagne and is a German reference.

Recommendations:

• Serving temperature: 10-12°C. By no means ice cold, so as not to numb the complex flavours.

• Glass: A large champagne tulip or a universal white wine glass.

• Decanting: Not necessary, but (15-20 minutes in the open glass) can open up the flavours further.

• Food pairing: A full-flavoured dinner sparkling wine:

  • Appetisers: Oysters, caviar, foie gras.

  • Main courses: Grilled fish (salmon, halibut), roasted white meat (veal fillet, poularde), mushroom risotto.

  • Cheese: Creamy cheeses such as Brie de Meaux or mature mountain cheese.

Conclusion

The Raumland Triumvirat Grande Cuvée 2010 is a monument to the art of German sparkling wine. It proves that sparkling wines of the same timeless greatness and complexity can be created beyond Champagne with the same passion and dedication to craftsmanship. This sparkling wine is mature but vital; complex but accessible; powerful but elegant. Anyone who ever doubted that Germany could be the absolute world leader in traditional sparkling wine production will be proven wrong with this bottle. An unforgettable experience for every connoisseur - a triumph in a glass.