{"title":"When in doubt, bring a Sparkling wine","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"2023-peter-lauer-riesling-sekt-mosel-germany","title":"2023 Peter Lauer Riesling Sekt, Mosel, Germany","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color: #6794b4; font-weight: 700;\"\u003eABOUT THE WINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2023 Peter Lauer Riesling Sekt is made from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e100% Riesling\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with fruit from the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAyler Kupp\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in Ayl on the Saar, part of Germany’s greater Mosel wine region. This dramatic hillside is defined by steep slopes and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eblue-gray Devonian slate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with the Saar’s cool climate helping the grapes retain the naturally high acidity that makes Riesling particularly well suited to sparkling wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrapes destined for the Sekt are \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epicked by hand and harvested relatively early to preserve acidity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, then immediately whole-cluster pressed. After settling naturally overnight, the juice is transferred to traditional \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFuder casks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, where fermentation begins spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. This restrained cellar approach follows Lauer’s broader philosophy of allowing vineyard and vintage to dictate the wine rather than relying on heavy-handed winemaking.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wine receives its second fermentation \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ein bottle using the traditional method\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, followed by maturation on the lees in the estate’s deep cellars. Rather than emphasizing overtly ripe fruit, Lauer seeks tension, minerality, and savory complexity. The result is a particularly vinous style of Sekt, where fine bubbles frame Riesling’s citrus and floral character while the Saar’s slate soils contribute smoky, stony depth. The estate describes its sparkling-wine philosophy around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003egreat freshness and no dosage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, reinforcing the wine’s dry, incisive personality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eServe well chilled, around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e45–48°F (7–9°C)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, preferably in a white-wine or narrow sparkling-wine glass rather than an overly tight flute. It is superb as an aperitif but has enough acidity and structure for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eoysters, shellfish, smoked trout, sushi, fried seafood, schnitzel, fresh goat cheese, or salty appetizers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color: #6794b4; font-weight: 700;\"\u003eABOUT THE PRODUCER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/lauer-ayl.de\/en\/home\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeingut Peter Lauer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is based in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAyl on the Saar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and traces its winemaking history back nearly two centuries. Today the estate is led by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlorian Lauer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, representing the family's fifth generation of winemaking. Its identity is intimately connected to the steep vineyards surrounding Ayl, particularly the historic \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAyler Kupp, Feils, and Schonfels\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e sites.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLauer’s philosophy centers on expressing the remarkable diversity found within these slate slopes. Vineyards are worked by hand with a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enatural, holistic approach\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, fruit is selectively hand-harvested, and fermentation typically occurs spontaneously with wild yeasts in old wooden casks. Even the estate’s distinctive practice of identifying wines by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecask number\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e reflects this commitment to individual parcels and cellar traditions: particular vineyard lots return to specific casks from vintage to vintage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough best known for its still Rieslings, Lauer’s sparkling wines are a natural extension of the estate’s philosophy. The Saar’s combination of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecool temperatures, steep vineyards, slate soils, and naturally high acidity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e provides ideal raw material for serious Sekt. The 2023 Riesling Sekt distills that identity into sparkling form—fine-boned, intensely mineral, naturally fermented, and driven more by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003efreshness, texture, and terroir than by sweetness or overt fruit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Peter Lauer","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46333444325665,"sku":"P-10160","price":42.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0804\/6785\/3601\/files\/BHSTOCKWINEPHOTO-donotedit_13_833425ab-74fd-406e-b99e-1f97602bc29f.png?v=1787600376"},{"product_id":"nv-michel-nartz-cremant-dalsace-cui-cui-alsace-france","title":"NV Michel Nartz Cremant D'Alsace \"Cui Cui\", Alsace, France","description":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color: #6794b4; font-weight: 700;\"\u003eABOUT THE WINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"501\" data-end=\"981\"\u003eThe “Cui Cui” is a playful and expressive Crémant made in the traditional method, primarily from Auxerrois and Pinot Blanc, with smaller additions of Chardonnay or Riesling depending on the cuvée. Sourced from sustainably farmed vineyards on limestone and marl soils near Dambach-la-Ville, the base wines are fermented in stainless steel to preserve purity, then undergo secondary fermentation in bottle with extended lees aging to add texture and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"983\" data-end=\"1274\"\u003eFresh and aromatic, the wine offers a delicate balance between fruit and finesse. While it’s approachable and delightful on its own, it also shines with a wide range of pairings—from sushi and goat cheese to quiche or fried chicken. A true crowd-pleaser that doesn’t sacrifice craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"color: #6794b4; font-weight: 700;\"\u003eABOUT THE PRODUCER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1281\" data-end=\"1591\"\u003eDomaine Michel Nartz is a small, family-run estate based in the heart of Alsace in Dambach-la-Ville. With a lineage dating back several generations, the domaine is now led by Jean-Daniel Nartz, who continues his father Michel’s commitment to terroir-driven, sustainably farmed wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1593\" data-end=\"1922\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThe estate focuses on low-intervention winemaking, working with indigenous yeasts, limited sulfur, and minimal manipulation to allow each grape and site to express its character fully. “Cui Cui”—named for the birdsong of spring—captures the domaine’s joyful and precise style, offering serious quality with a lighthearted spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PERRINE's WINE SHOP","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51622832865569,"sku":"210000020351","price":26.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0804\/6785\/3601\/files\/WSWINEBOTTLEPHOTOTEMPLATE_60a6ea14-fe59-40ca-8747-ed5d8e88a854.png?v=1774130507"}],"url":"https:\/\/perrineswine.com\/collections\/when-in-doubt-bring-a-sparkling-wine.oembed","provider":"PERRINE's WINE SHOP","version":"1.0","type":"link"}