Blanc de Noir Sekt Brut Nature 2019

Wine Description for Blanc de Noir Sekt Brut Nature 2019 by Bertram-Baltes

Colour & Appearance

Radiant straw yellow with pale, greenish reflections. The perlage is fine-bubbled and of restrained elegance – the mousse fades quickly and already signals the serious, substance-driven character of this sparkling wine.

Nose

An opening of cool, almost meditative restraint. The fruit recedes into the background, yielding to the elements: wet stones after summer rain, dried herbs – oregano, sage, a touch of mint. Then more distinctly sorrel and lemon balm. Traces of tart raspberries as well as red and white currants provide a compact fruit framework. Fennel seed, coriander and white pepper lend it spice; a fine smoky note sets the final, precise accent.

Palate

Striking, robust, uncompromising. This sparkling wine displays no flattery – it demands attention. A brief, charming opening with the mellowness of three years‘ yeast ageing, then the acidity cuts through hard and clear, clearing the field for an earthy, mineral texture. The herbal spice holds its ground; the fruit remains a supporting player.

Finish

Long, saline, herbal. The dominant acidity structure combines with a pronounced saline finish, before timidly a tart berry fruit returns. The final word belongs to the herbs.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from early harvesting within the great vineyard sites of the Ahr – one of Germany’s northernmost red wine regions, characterised by slate and greywacke. The cool finesse that Julia Bertram and Benny Baltes cultivate as their hallmark is palpable in this sparkling wine.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Pinot Noir, gently pressed in a basket press immediately after harvest and spontaneously fermented. The base wine was aged for one year in used 500-litre German oak barrels. After bottle fermentation, the sparkling wine matured 36 months on the lees; it was disgorged in November 2023. Brut Nature – without dosage. No concessions, no compromises.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Ideal with salad of runner beans and peas with mint and chilli, with cured char with dill yoghurt and toasted pine nuts or with fried slices of celeriac with basil pesto and Parmesan shavings. Generally: dishes with herbal freshness, acidity and mineral character.

Special Features

A sparkling wine that defies every convention. Not a Champagne imitation, not an agreeable aperitif fizz – but rather an independent, terroir-driven statement from the Ahr. Those seeking depth and individuality will find it here.