Reichstrat von Buhl has a long, albeit checkered, history. Located in the Pfalz, (the warmest and most viticulturally varied of Germany’s major regions), the estate traces its history back to 1849.

Under the control of the von Buhl family, it encompassed roughly 200 hectares, and its wines were prized across the country, including by Otto von Bismark. But von Buhl hit hard times after the family had to sell. Through much of the second half of the 20th century, the estate was leased to different managers and its holdings were sold off. But whoever was in control, they clung to their best Riesling vineyards, such as Paradiesgarten, Pechstein, and Kirchenstuck. 

In 2013, Achim Niederberger purchased Reichstrat von Buhl, and he immediately set about restoring it to its former glory. He built a new cellar, and most importantly brought in Mathieu Kauffmann. Mathieu was the chef de cave at the legendary Bollinger in Champagne, and was in fact the first Bollinger chef de cave ever to resign rather than retire. Mathieu brought his incredible technical knowledge to bear on the sparkling program at von Buhl, immediately pushing for earlier picking and lower sulfur levels. The results speak for themselves.

Why You’ll Love It

• The von Buhl Sekt 2020 comes from earlier picking across the estate’s holdings, including their Grosses Gewächs (that’s German for Grand Cru) sites. It’s pressed gently and only the purest and most delicate juice – amounting to less than 50% of the pressings – go into the sparkling program.

• It’s fermented and aged in a mix of stainless steel and large, neutral casks for a year until it goes into tirage and ages on lees for 30 months. 

• The nose opens with a rush of citrus fruit like lemon zest and lime flesh, with white peach and white floral tones, surrounded by toasty brioche notes. Beneath it all thrums a pulsing pulverized rock minerality.

• On the palate, it’s dense yet lifted, with fantastic energy and lift combined with rocky power. Citrus fruits continue here, and the finish closes with rich nutty tones.

How To Enjoy It

• Skip the flute! Drink this out of a white wine glass to fully appreciate the aromas on display. 

• Serve chilled, around 45 degrees, to enhance its refreshing qualities. Then allow it to warm up over the course of a few hours and dive into the aromatic nuances.

• The briskness on display in von Buhl’s sekt serves as a beautiful counterbalance to all sorts of richer German dishes. Schnitzel anyone?