Griesel & Compagnie Riesling Brut Tradition 2022 white

Griesel & Compagnie Riesling Brut Tradition 2022 is a characterful German sparkling wine that shows just how expressive Riesling can be in the glass. Crafted in the traditional method, it marries brisk, mineral-driven freshness with a surprising depth of spice, breadiness and citrus complexity. Sourced from the steep slopes of the Hessische Bergstraße, this is a refined, gastronomic “Mousserende vin” that stands apart from simpler, fruit-driven bubbles. Its unique edge lies in the interplay between Riesling’s vibrant acidity and the winery’s use of reserve wines and large oak casks, which lend structure, texture and a savory, bready dimension. Earlier vintages have been noted for their hints of dark rye crust, raw yeast dough and zesty citrus peel, setting a benchmark for serious German Riesling Sekt. In a region with centuries of winegrowing history, Griesel & Compagnie is one of the modern standard-bearers showing how sparkling wines from the Hessische Bergstraße can rival more famous regions in finesse and complexity.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the Riesling Brut Tradition typically shows a luminous yellow to pale golden hue, with a fine, persistent bead that signals careful bottle fermentation and aging on the lees. The first impression on the nose is often a mix of freshly baked bread and raw pastry dough, recalling dark roasted rye crust and rising yeast, intertwined with stony, mineral accents. As it opens, more aromatic layers emerge: pithy grapefruit, mandarin peel and a floral lift reminiscent of jasmine blossoms. Subtle spicy notes—nutmeg, fresh fir needles and a gentle herbal tone—sit alongside hints of ripe orchard fruit such as Boskoop apple and a touch of green banana. On the palate, the wine is dry, incisive and herb-driven, with a fine, creamy mousse that softens its linear structure. Flavors of tonic water and orange zest bitterness echo the nose, supported by a vivid, Riesling-typical acidity that provides clarity and length. The finish is long, slightly bitter-herbal yet clean, never harsh, leaving a mouthwatering, savory impression that invites another sip. Enjoyable now for its energy and precision, the 2022 vintage should develop further complexity in bottle over the next 3–6 years, gaining more autolytic and honeyed nuances while retaining its backbone of freshness.

Production
Griesel & Compagnie works with vineyards in the Hessische Bergstraße, a small but historic region characterized by steep, sun-exposed slopes, mixed soils of loess, clay and weathered stone, and a relatively mild, sheltered climate. These conditions allow Riesling to ripen slowly, preserving high acidity and fine aromatics that are ideal for traditional-method sparkling wines. Grapes are typically hand-harvested to ensure pristine fruit, often picked slightly earlier to capture tension and brightness. After a gentle pressing, the base wines are fermented in stainless steel and partly in large traditional oak casks (Stückfass), with a portion of reserve perpétuelle blending in to add depth and continuity of style. The second fermentation takes place in the bottle, followed by extended lees aging to build texture, complexity and the fine, creamy mousse that defines the Brut Tradition style.

Food & Serving
This Riesling Brut Tradition is a versatile food wine that shines well beyond the aperitif role. Its crisp acidity and herbal, citrus-inflected profile make it an excellent partner for oysters, shellfish, sushi and ceviche, as well as lightly smoked fish and sashimi. It also works beautifully with dishes featuring fresh herbs and citrus—think grilled sea bass with fennel and orange, asparagus with hollandaise, or herb-roasted chicken. The subtle bitterness and savory edge stand up nicely to tempura, fried calamari and even lightly spiced Asian cuisine. Serve well-chilled at about 7–9°C (45–48°F). A short, 10–15 minute decant in a carafe, or simply opening the bottle a bit in advance, can help the more complex bready and spicy notes unfold, especially if you’re serving it in white wine glasses rather than flutes.

Producer
Griesel & Compagnie is a relatively young but already highly regarded sparkling wine specialist based in the Hessische Bergstraße, one of Germany’s smallest and most northerly wine regions. While the area’s winemaking roots stretch back centuries, Griesel has brought a modern, quality-focused perspective to German Sekt, emphasizing handwork in the vineyard, low yields and traditional bottle fermentation. The estate has quickly earned a reputation for producing some of Germany’s most distinctive sparkling wines, often built around Riesling, and has helped raise the profile of the Hessische Bergstraße on the international stage. With a philosophy that combines meticulous craftsmanship, use of reserve wines and sensitive oak aging, Griesel & Compagnie has become a reference point for serious, terroir-driven German sparkling wine.

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.