Austria introduces Sekt pyramid

Austria has introduced a “quality pyramid” for its Sekt, with three categories ranging from “Klassik” to “Grosse Reserve”.

The intention of the quality scale is to “communicate clear information to consumers purchasing Austrian Sekt, concerning [the] point of origin as well as a style of certified quality to be anticipated,” according to  the Austrian Wine Board.

The three categories cover production method and the minimum amount of time spent on lees.

The “Klassik” category means Sekt that has been made from grapes harvested in one region, that has been made by any “suitable” method allowed and the wine has matured for a minimum of nine months on its lees.

The “Reserve” category is for wines made from grapes harvested in one state and exclusively made by traditional method with a minimum of 18 months on lees.

The top category, “Grosse Reserve”, meanwhile is for wines made from grapes harvested in a single municipality, exclusively bottle fermented and with a minimum 30 months aged on lees.