VDP Sekt Classifications

13 July 2018

On a VDP meeting on July 5th, the German wine producer organisation decided to introduce a new classification system for Sekt (Sparkling Wine). The VDP Sekt classification (VDP.Sekt) mirrors the original VDP classification pyramid for wine classification (VPD.Origin) with the category levels VDP.GUTSSEKT, VDP.ORTSSEKT, VDP.ERSTE LAGE and VDP.GROSSE LAGE.

Just like the Champagne region, traditional bottle fermentation is mandatory for all four categories. VDP.GUTSSEKT and VDP.ORTSSEKT require a minimum of 15 months on the lees. ERSTE LAGE and GROSSE LAGE Sekt and all vintage Sekt need a minimum of 36 months on the lees.

The maturation periods are strongly inspired by Champagne and the classification system is certainly another step in Germany's journey towards top quality within Sparkling Wine. 

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