Keller Winery – Riesling Sparkling Wine Grande Cuvée No. 002 brut nature dry NV, disgorged 03/2024

Keller Winery – Riesling Sparkling Wine Prestige Extra Brut 2021, Rheinhessen

Introduction: A Champagne-style approach on Rheinhessen limestone

This is not simply a sparkling wine, but the consistent application of the Keller philosophy to traditional bottle fermentation. The ‘Prestige’ is the top cuvée in the Keller sparkling wine range and embodies the ambition to create a sparkling wine of absolute character and longevity – comparable to a Blanc de Blancs from a grand cru vineyard in Champagne. The foundation: high-quality Riesling from the finest vineyards, vinified with the same dedication as the still wines.

Sensory description (early stage)

As a vintage sparkling wine with an‘extra brut’ dosage, this is a powerful, serious and age-worthy sparkling wine.

• Perlage & Colour:

  • Perlage: Fine, dense and extremely persistent. The stream of bubbles is perfectly straight and creamy.

  • Colour: Radiant pale golden yellow with greenish highlights – a sign of its youthful freshness and concentration.

• Nose:
  The bouquet is intense, clear and of remarkable mineral depth. It combines the typical ripeness of the 2021 vintage with the lively tension characteristic of Keller’s winemaking style.

  • Citrus & stone fruit: Ripe lemon, white peach, mirabelle plum and a hint of pineapple.

  • Keller-style minerality: Distinct aromas of damp pebbles, chalk and a cool, salty note.

  • Yeast-driven complexity: Delicate notes of fresh bread dough, brioche and yeast cake – a sign of autolysis during bottle ageing. Not dominant, but elegantly integrated.

  • Spiciness: A subtle, tingling note of ginger and lemon zest.

• Palate :
  On the palate, the sparkling wine is characterisedby a majestic balance between power and elegance.

  • The texture is creamy and velvety thanks to the fine perlage, yet it also has a firm, straightforward core.

  • The acidity is lively, electrifying and crystalline. It forms the backbone of the sparkling wine, lending it tremendous tension and length – typical of the structure of the 2021 vintage.

  • The aromas of citrus, peach and brioche unfold perfectly.

  • The dosage (extra brut, presumably 0–3 g/l residual sugar) is almost imperceptible and merely supports the fruit without adding any sweetness . The impression is absolutely dry, purist and mineral.

  • The finish is long, salty and characterisedby a refreshing bitterness (like lemon zest). It lingers for minutes on end and immediately invites you to the next tasting.

Vintage & Production

• The 2021 vintage in Rheinhessen: a classic, cooler vintage with pronounced acidity. These conditions are ideal for producing long-lived, precise sparkling wines. The natural acidity and moderate alcohol content ensure freshness and finesse, whilst concentrated vineyard sites provide the necessary extract intensity and depth.

• Grape blend: Selected Riesling from Keller’s finest vineyards (presumably including proportions from vineyards such as Hubacker, Abtserde or Kirchspiel), which are known for their mineral rigour.

• Méthode Traditionnelle:

  • Secondary fermentation and maturation on the lees (sur lie) in the cellar.

  • The period of ageing on the lees (autolysis) lasts several years, which explains the creamy texture and complex yeast notes.

  • Disgorgement by hand.

  • Extra brut dosage to highlight the pure character of the fruit and terroir.

Drinking maturity & ageing potential

• Current drinking window: The sparkling wine is already exceptionally approachable and complex. The yeast notes are present but harmonious. It can be enjoyed with great pleasure right now.

• Ageing potential: This is where its true greatness shines through. This sparkling wine is designed for long bottle ageing.

  • Optimal drinking window: 2024–2035+.

  • Long-term development: As it ages, the yeast notes (brioche, nut) become more intense and blend with the mineral base to create an even more complex, spicier and creamier texture – similar to that of a mature Champagne.

  • Ageing potential:15–20 years or more when stored in a dark, cool place .

Rating & Recommendations

Rating: 95/100 points
A sparkling wine of world-class calibre. It sets new standards for German Riesling sparkling wine and proves that, using the Méthode Traditionnelle and first-class raw materials, sparkling wines of Champagne calibre can be produced.

Recommendations:

• Serving temperature: 8–10°C. Do not serve too cold, so as not to dull the complex aromas.

• Glass: A classic champagne tulip or a standard white wine glass is ideal for concentrating the bouquet.

• Decanting: Not necessary. Savour slowly in the glass and observe how the flavours develop.

• Food pairings (A true dinner sparkling wine):

  • Starters: Oysters, caviar, scallops, sushi.

  • Main courses: Grilled fish (e.g. sea bass), pan-fried white meat (veal fillet, poularde).

  • Cheese: Creamy cheeses such as Chaource or mature mountain cheese.

Conclusion

The Keller Riesling Sekt Prestige extra brut 2021 is a milestone. The Kellers have succeeded in translating the unmistakable mineral density and linear rigour of their Rieslings into the lively, creamy form of a sparkling wine. This sparkling wine is powerful, serious and of breathtaking length. It is not a light aperitif, but a gastronomic companion and an object of contemplation for connoisseurs. Anyone who has ever doubted that Germany can produce world-class sparkling wines will be proven wrong by this bottle. A must-have for any lover of great, traditionally produced sparkling wines.