Frank John Riesling Brut min. 36 Mon. Hefelager Bio 2020 white

Frank John Riesling Brut 2020 is a meticulously crafted organic sparkling wine from the Pfalz that shows just how refined and serious Riesling can be in traditional-method bubbles. Made from a single vintage and aged for a minimum of 36 months on the lees, it combines precision, depth and elegance in equal measure. This is a grower’s Sekt with a clear philosophy: minimal intervention, maximum expression of grape, place and time.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Riesling Brut presents a pale straw-yellow hue with fine, persistent mousse and a delicate, cordon-like bead that speaks to its extended time on the lees. The nose is vibrant yet nuanced: ripe citrus (lemon zest, grapefruit), green apple and white peach are layered with brioche, roasted hazelnut, crushed slate and a hint of herbs and blossom, all framed by a discreet autolytic creaminess. On the palate, the wine is bone-dry, linear and finely textured, with Riesling’s signature acidity providing a taut backbone. Citrus and orchard fruits are joined by notes of quince, lime peel and a light saline, mineral edge that reflects the Pfalz soils. The long lees aging adds a gentle, pastry-like roundness and a subtle nuttiness, smoothing the edges of the vibrant acidity without dulling its energy. The finish is long, chiselled and mouth-watering, making this as suitable for gastronomic pairings as for a contemplative aperitif. With its structure and acidity, this 2020 has very good aging potential; expect further integration of the mousse and a deepening of brioche, honeyed and nutty tones over the next 5–8 years.

Production
The grapes for Frank John Riesling Brut Bio are sourced from organically farmed vineyards in the Pfalz, where a mild, sunny climate and diverse soils—ranging from limestone and sandstone to loess—offer ideal conditions for ripe yet finely structured Riesling. The estate works with low yields and careful, mostly hand harvesting to ensure only perfectly healthy, aromatic fruit is selected for the base wine. Fermentation takes place with a gentle, traditional approach, often involving spontaneous or carefully managed fermentations in large, old wooden casks, allowing the wine to develop texture and complexity without overt oak flavor. The base wine from a single vintage is then bottled for the traditional method second fermentation, and the Sekt rests on its lees for at least 36 months before disgorgement. A minimal dosage is added to harmonize Riesling’s naturally high acidity while preserving its purity and dry profile.

Food & Serving
This Riesling Brut shines at the table. Its bright acidity and fine mousse make it a natural match for oysters, ceviche, sashimi and other delicate seafood dishes, as well as smoked fish, trout tartare or crab. It also pairs beautifully with classic German-inspired fare like Flammkuchen, light poultry dishes, veal schnitzel, or soft cheeses and fresh goat cheese. For a more adventurous pairing, try it with lightly spiced Asian cuisine—think tempura, sushi or delicate Thai dishes. Serve well-chilled at about 8–10 °C. A brief opening in the glass is usually sufficient, but for maximum aromatic expression in its youth, pouring into a larger white-wine or tulip-shaped sparkling glass rather than a narrow flute will highlight its complexity; decanting is generally not necessary.

Producer
The Frank John estate, based at the historic Hirschhorner Hof in the Pfalz, is one of Germany’s reference addresses for terroir-driven, traditionally crafted wines and Sekte. After a distinguished career as an oenologist and consultant—working with renowned estates such as Reichsrat von Buhl—Frank John established his own family-run winery with a clear focus on organic farming, low yields and time-honoured cellar techniques. Today, together with the next generation, the Johns are known for their long lees aging, spontaneous fermentations and minimal intervention approach, seeking depth and longevity rather than quick charm. Within the Pfalz and beyond, the estate has earned a strong reputation among sommeliers and wine enthusiasts for elevating German Sekt to a truly fine-wine level, especially with their precise, age-worthy Riesling and Pinot-based bottlings.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.