STIELWEG
RIESLING EXTRA BRUT 2018
DOMDECHANT WERNER • RHEINGAU • GERMANY
"German precision in bubbles: the energy of the 2018 Riesling captured in a dance of saline freshness and mineral elegance."
The Aristocracy of German Sekt
Hochheimer Stielweg Riesling Extra Brut Sekt 2018 is a work of art from the Domdechant Werner winery, an institution with centuries of history in the Rheingau. This sparkling wine is not a conventional Sekt; it is a single-vineyard wine that has undergone a second fermentation in the bottle and prolonged aging on its lees. The result is an explosion of Riesling typicity: citrus acidity, notes of white peach, and that unmistakable mineral vibration that only the soils of Hochheim can offer.
1. Identity Profile
Specific Origin: Stielweg Vineyard, Hochheim am Main, Rheingau, Germany.
Winery: Domdechant Werner.
Varietal: 100% Riesling.
Vintage: 2018 (Exceptional harvest of great concentration).
Production: Klassische Flaschengärung (Traditional Method).
Volume: 750 ml.
2. Sommelier Notes
Appearance: Pale straw yellow with greenish reflections. Extremely fine, persistent, and elegant bubbles.
Nose: Complex bouquet combining white flowers, lemon zest, green apple, and the characteristic hint of "flint" or wet stone. It evolves toward notes of light brioche and dried fruits.
Palate: The attack is direct and electric. The "Extra Brut" character translates into total purity; it is dry, saline, and very refreshing. The mousse is creamy, balancing the piercing acidity of the Riesling. Long and deeply mineral finish.
3. Stielweg Sekt Architecture
4. High-End Pairing and Service
Gastronomy: A sparkling wine of this purity is the ideal companion for fresh seafood, raw oysters, hamachi sashimi, or scallop tartare. Its acidity also perfectly cuts through the fat of a German Schnitzel or young goat cheeses.
Service: Serve chilled, between **6°C and 8°C**. Use white wine glasses or wide tulips rather than narrow flutes to allow the aromatic complexity of the Riesling to unfold.
Technical Sheet and FAQs
What makes the Stielweg vineyard different from others in Rheingau?
Stielweg has perfect southern exposure and heavier soils than usual for the area, resulting in a Riesling with more body and a very marked earthy minerality.
Why choose a Riesling Sekt over a Champagne?
Riesling Sekt offers a fruit typicity (acidic and citrusy) that Champagne (based on red grapes or Chardonnay) does not possess. It is a more vibrant and vertical alternative, ideal for those seeking extreme freshness.
How long has this wine spent on its lees?
This 2018 Sekt has had a minimum aging of 24 months on the lees before disgorgement, which gives it that integrated bubble and the silky texture on the palate.