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Gut Hermannsberg, Riesling Sekt, Brut
Today’s Sekt offers incredible levels of value from the most exceptional German terroirs, what they label as Grosse Lage vineyards, the equivalent of Grand Crus. Apply this to a bottle of Champagne and you’re already pushing $50—not so with Gut Hermannsberg. Along with Dönnhoff, which is a few minutes’ walk just across the river, they are the flashy name to know here in Nahe.
Gut Hermannsberg is rich with history and highly respected on wine lists across the world. They have been acquiring jewel-like parcels of land for over a hundred years and when quality designations were implemented in the 70s, an added premium wasn’t necessary—they had been offering amazing wine at affordable prices long before classifications were trendy. That can’t be said for many other regions. If you’ve never explored Sekt, no one does it quite like Gut Hermannsberg. It’s electric, creamy, fresh, and of course, every grape pressed into this bottle hails from 'Grand Cru' terroirs. This Sekt is made identical to those of Champagne and the added bonus here is that it’s all Riesling: expect fresh rushes of tropical fruit, irresistible citrus, and endless floral components; all of which will make you seriously consider whether you want a Sekt or Champagne when your next sparkling craving hits. This is a delicious masterpiece that will complete your night (or day!).
Gut Hermannsberg is rich with history and highly respected on wine lists across the world. They have been acquiring jewel-like parcels of land for over a hundred years and when quality designations were implemented in the 70s, an added premium wasn’t necessary—they had been offering amazing wine at affordable prices long before classifications were trendy. That can’t be said for many other regions. If you’ve never explored Sekt, no one does it quite like Gut Hermannsberg. It’s electric, creamy, fresh, and of course, every grape pressed into this bottle hails from 'Grand Cru' terroirs. This Sekt is made identical to those of Champagne and the added bonus here is that it’s all Riesling: expect fresh rushes of tropical fruit, irresistible citrus, and endless floral components; all of which will make you seriously consider whether you want a Sekt or Champagne when your next sparkling craving hits. This is a delicious masterpiece that will complete your night (or day!).
Although Germany’s Nahe River Valley is lesser-known and more variable than nearby Riesling terroirs like the Rheingau and the Mosel, it has a small share of international stars. Dönnhoff estate in the riverside village of Oberhäusen is arguably the most prominent, while directly across the Nahe is a deserving star in Gut Hermannsberg, continuously operating since 1902. This property, once in the possession and purview of the Prussian government, has flourished under current owners Christine Dinse and Jens Reidel, with the Riesling grape taking center stage. Previously known as “Königlich-Preussische Weinbaudomäne Niederhausen- Schlossböckelheim” (rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it?), Gut Hermannsberg now takes its name from the neighboring Grosse Lage of Hermannsberg—a (monopole) vineyard owned entirely by them.
Grapes selected for their Sekt are sourced from estate-owned Grosse Lage parcels in the towns of Niederhausen, Schlossböckelheim, and Altenbamberg. Nearly all their vineyards here are within walking distance to their estate. Gut Hermannsberg farms sustainably and with the “Gross Lage” classification, grapes must be harvested by hand and at limited yields. Though not stated on the label, all fruit in today’s bottle hails from the 2016 vintage. In the winery, grapes were gently pressed and alcoholic fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks. The wine underwent its second fermentation in bottle (méthode Champenoise) and aged on its lees for a brief stint before being disgorged and topped off with a light dosage of 7 grams.
In the glass, the wine pours a bright straw yellow with brilliant marks of silver flitting out to a clear rim. Soft notes of apple skin, lime blossom, green mango, white peach, papaya, white flowers, meyer lemon, and fresh cream reveal themselves next to distinctive mineral-driven components of crushed rock and wet slate. The palate is remarkably fresh with mouthwatering levels of acidity. You’ll notice a decided roundness with mounting levels of bright citrus and a tantalizing array of just-picked stone fruits with sweet tropical notes lingering on the finish. This is the beauty of quality Sekt. It’s everything you love in dry Riesling, but imagine ripe fruit, more suppleness, and a lively backbone of effervescence. It’s hard to outshine that. Gut Hermannsberg is a sparkler to drink now and over the next two years—you don’t want to miss its window of vibrancy! I recommend pouring into all-purpose white stems and consuming around 50-55 degrees. Enjoy as a standalone or next to this asian-style preparation of fish tacos. Cheers!
