In the volcanic soils of Baden, Franz Keller has made a remarkable statement about German sparkling wine culture with this single-varietal Riesling sparkling wine. After almost thirty months on the lees, this Petit Adler reveals the precise signature of a winemaker who has mastered the tension between tradition and innovation.<\/p>\n
In the glass, it presents a bright golden yellow colour with subtle green reflections, interspersed with a fine, even perlage that ends in a restrained mousseux - a visual promise of elegance and depth.<\/p>\n
The nose is dominated by a remarkable clarity in which the volcanic minerality of the terroir shines through. Ripe stone fruit and a kaleidoscope of citrus notes - from sun-ripened lemon to bittersweet grapefruit - combine with the complex flavours of long yeast ageing. Brioche<\/strong> and tarte tatin<\/strong> give the sparkling wine an almost meditative depth, while fresh herbal notes of lemon balm and lemon thyme provide a vibrant liveliness.<\/p>\n The true identity of this sparkling wine is revealed on the palate: precise, focussed and with an almost crystalline structure. The acidity - typical of a Riesling of this provenance - leads with authority without dominating the fruit flavours. The salty minerality is remarkable, anchoring the wine firmly in the Baden terroir. The long ageing on the lees lends complexity without heaviness, while nutty nuances linger in the long finish, testifying to Keller's meticulous craftsmanship.<\/p>\n The 2020 vintage marks a turning point for the Petit Adler, as it was made exclusively from Riesling for the first time. The grapes, grown on loess and loam with volcanic subsoil, were vinified according to all the rules of traditional sparkling wine production and only disgorged in December 2023 after almost 30 months on the lees. With 12.0% alcohol and minimal residual sweetness, this sparkling wine is a precise reflection of its terroir and its creator.<\/p>\n The vibrant acidity structure and mineral precision predestine this sparkling wine for refined dishes such as Fennel marinated in orange juice with orange and grapefruit fillets and dill<\/strong>. For seafood lovers, a classic seafood dish is the perfect choice. Lobster roll with melted butter<\/strong> while vegetarians with Lime ravioli with purslane sauce<\/strong> will find a congenial accompaniment.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Palate<\/h3>\n
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