German wineries launch new classification for sparkling wine

An association representing Germany’s top wine estates has established a new classification for Sekt; the country’s sparkling wine.

Verband Deutscher Prädikats (VDP) is an organisation where most (but not all) of Germany’s best known and most highly regarded wine producers are members. Around 195 wineries in the country are signed up to the association’s strict internal quality standards and classifications from vine to bottle.

The VDP established its first Sekt classification at its general assembly this week.

Traditional bottle fermentation is compulsory for all four VDP origin categories for Sekt. Two of these — VDP. Gutssekt and VDP. Ortssekt must remain at least 15….