Griesel & Compagnie Blanc de Noirs Brut Tradition 2022 Magnum white

Griesel & Compagnie Blanc de Noirs Brut Tradition 2021 Magnum is a striking German sparkling wine crafted entirely from red grape varieties, pressed as white. Presented in magnum format, it is ideal for the table, offering extra finesse and complexity from its extended maturation. This Hessische Bergstraße Blanc de Noirs stands out for its combination of precision, depth, and an aromatic profile that rivals top grower Champagnes from across the border.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the Blanc de Noirs shows a shimmering copper-gold to pale brass hue, with a fine, persistent mousse forming delicate chains of bubbles. The aroma is complex and inviting: juniper, bay leaf and Alpine herb lozenges mingle with notes reminiscent of white balsamic, sandalwood, pine forest and a touch of smoky breakfast bacon. Underneath, there are layers of grated apple, dried pear and subtle pastry-like yeast tones, evoking fresh pretzel crust rather than heavy brioche. On the palate, the mousse is energetic yet pleasantly creamy, delivering a mouthfeel that is both lively and gently cushioning. Flavours of baked apple, dried orchard fruit and citrus peel are interwoven with savoury herbal nuances and a fine saline edge, giving the wine impressive tension and length. The balance of fresh fruit, spice, and autolytic complexity makes it highly engaging from the first sip to the last. Enjoy it now for its vibrancy and aromatic detail, or cellar the magnum for several more years to gain additional nutty and toasty dimensions while maintaining its structure.

Production
Sourced from the slopes of the Hessische Bergstraße, Griesel & Compagnie’s vineyards benefit from a cool continental climate, sun-exposed hillside sites and mineral-rich soils that lend both freshness and a clear, stony backbone to the wine. The Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) and Schwarzriesling (Pinot Meunier) are gently harvested at optimal ripeness, then pressed as blanc de noirs to yield clear juice with minimal colour and fine phenolics. The base wines are vinified partly in stainless steel, partly in large traditional Stückfass and partly in barrique, creating a layered blend that marries bright, primary fruit with subtle spice and texture. After the second fermentation in bottle, the wine rests extensively on the lees to build complexity and a refined mousse before disgorgement and bottling as Brut Tradition.

Food & Serving
This Blanc de Noirs Brut Tradition 2021 Magnum is a versatile partner at the table. It shines with charcuterie, pâté en croûte, smoked fish, sushi, roast poultry, pork belly and mushroom-based dishes, as well as with semi-hard cheeses and savoury tarts. Serve well-chilled at around 8–10 °C to highlight its freshness and detail. A brief decant in a chilled carafe, or simply pouring into larger white-wine or tulip-shaped sparkling glasses, can help the wine open up its more complex herbal and savoury notes, especially from magnum.

Producer
Griesel & Compagnie is one of the dynamic names leading the renaissance of high-quality German Sekt. Working from the Hessische Bergstraße, a small but historic wine region, the estate focuses on terroir-driven traditional-method sparkling wines, often from classic Champagne grapes such as Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Through meticulous vineyard work, thoughtful use of stainless steel, large casks and barriques, and extended lees aging, Griesel & Compagnie has earned a reputation for some of Germany’s most characterful and refined sparkling wines, helping to put the region and modern German Sekt firmly on the radar of serious wine lovers.