Selbach Oster Riesling Brut Sekt 2016

The Land

In the storied heart of the Middle Mosel, the Selbach-Oster vineyards sprawl across 24 hectares of steep, slate-rich slopes, facing south-southwest to capture the best of the sun's warmth. These slopes, among the most prestigious in the region, include iconic sites like Zeltinger Schlossberg, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, and Graacher Himmelreich. Here, the weathered Devonian slate imparts a distinct mineral character to the grapes, while the long growing season allows Riesling to reach its full potential, balancing vibrant acidity with ripe, nuanced flavors. A substantial portion of the vines, many still on their original rootstocks, bear witness to centuries of careful cultivation, producing wines that reflect both place and tradition.

The Wine

The 2016 Selbach Oster Riesling Brut Sekt is a masterclass in Mosel Riesling, showcasing the elegance and precision of these exceptional vineyards. This sparkling wine, from the 2016 vintage, content, is showing complexity of age with a fine mousse with flavors of baked green apple, citrus curd, and white peach preserves, all wrapped in a delicate mineral framework with vibrant acidity seamlessly integrated.

The People

Johannes and Barbara Selbach, with the dedicated support of their son Sebastian, manage their estate with a deep respect for tradition. The Selbach family's roots in the Mosel wine trade date back to 1600. Johannes, continuing the legacy of his late father Hans, adheres to traditional winemaking methods, including the use of 1000-liter oak fuder for fermentation, alongside stainless steel tanks. Their approach is hands-off, allowing wild yeasts to ferment the wines naturally, resulting in a style that varies with each vintage but consistently captures the essence of their terroir. The addition of Christian Vogt, former winemaker at Karthäuserhof, in 2016 has only bolstered the estate's talent and reputation, ensuring that Selbach-Oster remains at the forefront of Mosel winemaking.