VDP stands for Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweinguter and is a highly respected association of around 200 German top producers with their own set of rules for wine growing and wine making. VDP recently launched a new category of German high-quality Sekt.
This new category, VDP Sekt, can, like the still VDP wines, be made in four levels: VDP Gutssekt, VDP Ortssekt, VDP Erste Lage and VDP Grosse Lage. The rules are inspired by what applies in Champagne. A second fermentation in the bottle is mandatory. Gutssekt and Ortssekt must be aged at least 15 months on the lees and Erste and Grosse Lage for at least 36 months. The harvest must be by hand and the grapes must come from vineyards that are specifically cultivated for sekt.
As always, VDP has a great focus on the terroir. The interest in German sekt has risen in recent years, but many consumers associate it, often rightly, with low quality. VDP wants to show another side of German Sekt.
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