Griesel & Compagnie Riesling Flor Extra Brut 2021 vinocentral UNIKAT white

Griesel & Compagnie Riesling Flor Extra Brut 2021 is a highly original sparkling Riesling from Germany’s Hessische Bergstraße, crafted in tiny quantities as a vinocentral UNIKAT. It marries the precision and tension of German Riesling sekt with the characterful influence of flor aging, a technique more commonly associated with Jura and Sherry. The result is a distinctive, artisan sparkling wine that delivers both freshness and fascinating complexity for adventurous drinkers.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Extra Brut Riesling sekt shows a pale lemon hue with fine, persistent bubbles and a delicate mousse. On the nose, classic Riesling notes of green apple, lime zest and white peach are joined by intriguing flor-driven aromas: hints of toasted nuts, fresh bread dough, chamomile, and a subtle saline, chalky edge. The palate is brisk and bone-dry yet layered, with razor-sharp citrus, tart stone fruit and green apple framed by a savoury, almost umami nuance from the flor maturation. There’s a gentle nuttiness, a touch of brioche, and a faint oxidative complexity that never overwhelms the wine’s clarity and drive. The finish is long, saline and mouth-watering, suggesting real gastronomic potential. Enjoy it now for its tension and energy, or cellar for 3–6 years to allow the flor-derived complexity to knit further into the fruit and autolytic character.

Production
The Riesling grapes come from the cool, hilly slopes of the Hessische Bergstraße, a small but historic region where limestone- and loess-rich soils, combined with a temperate climate, yield wines of finesse and vibrant acidity. After careful hand harvesting, the Riesling must was transferred into an old Stückfass (large traditional wooden cask) acquired from a neighbouring estate. Fermentation took place in this barrel, and as the wine rested without regular topping up, a natural layer of yeast and bacteria—the flor—formed on the surface. Under this protective veil, the base wine matured, gaining subtle oxidative and savoury notes in a style reminiscent of Jura and Sherry traditions. After this flor aging, the wine was bottled for a classic second fermentation, producing sparkling wine by the traditional method, and finished Extra Brut with only a small dosage to preserve its purity and tension.

Food & Serving
This is a culinary sparkling wine that shines at the table. Its bright acidity and savoury edge make it an excellent partner for oysters, scallops, sashimi, or crudo with citrus and sea salt. It also works beautifully with lightly smoked fish, ceviche, sushi, tempura, or vegetable dishes featuring asparagus, fennel or artichoke, as well as soft cheeses and aged mountain cheeses. Serve well chilled at around 8–10 °C (46–50 °F). A brief 10–15 minutes in a carafe, or simply letting the wine open in the glass, can help the flor-derived aromas unfurl without losing the sparkle.

Producer
Griesel & Compagnie, based in Bensheim on the Hessische Bergstraße, has quickly built a reputation as one of Germany’s most exciting specialist sparkling producers. Led by acclaimed sekt-maker Niko Brandner, the estate focuses almost exclusively on traditional-method sparkling wines, pushing boundaries with meticulous vineyard work and daring cellar decisions. While Riesling sekt is a house specialty, this flor-aged UNIKAT bottling marks a new, experimental chapter, drawing on techniques more familiar in regions like Jura and Jerez. With numerous accolades in the German wine press, Griesel & Compagnie is seen as a key driver in the renaissance of high-quality German sekt, demonstrating just how complex and characterful these wines can be.

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