Schloss Vollrads Sekt Extra Brut

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 Not too long ago I was taken by a friend of mine to the magnificent Schloss Vollrads in Rheingau. If you have had the opportunity to visit it, I think it is not hard to imagine that I have directly fallen in love with it. If you haven't had the opportunity to visit it, I recommend you a quick look at this video.

A couple of days later, while reading Hugh Johnson's The Story of Wine I have come across a reference to the same Schloss Vollrads as being one of the oldest settlements in the Rheingau region producing wine.

When coming across this reference, I thought it was more than enough of a sign to open this bottle in a feeble attempt to relive the incredible sensations that invaded me after having been in such an amazing place. 


In fact, when I was there I have tried the Brut while standing in the yard continuously admiring the set of medieval buildings.  Having particularly appreciated it, I have decided to buy the Extra Brut.

Being a huge fan of Riesling I wanted to dive a bit more into the wines of one of the places which has played a key role in the development of one of the most appreciated grapes in the world.

But somehow when I have first tried it, I was slightly irritated as it was a bit more fruity than I expected. Being an Extra Brut I was expecting to find a lively and cutting Riesling, but here there were clear yellow matured apples and slight tropical fruits.

Intrigued by it, I have immediately looked for the values and I was surprised that it has a residual sugar level of 6,6, slightly superior to the maximum 6 which is allowed for an Extra Brut.  That definitely explains the fruitiness.

But do not get me wrong. 

There was absolutely nothing wrong with the wine, presenting a fine perlage and being a really pleasant sparkling wine that has accompanied some starters perfectly. It was just that I was expecting something else.

And this expectations that we sometimes create about something can lead us to erroneous evaluations of certain products. 

Anyway, it was certainly nice to relive my in loco experience by drinking it while I kept on reading Hugh Johnson's book which is keeping me fascinated for the time being.   

 

15,5/20
Country: Germany
Region: Rheingau
Grapes: Riesling
12%
Winemaker: n/a

Website: https://shop.schlossvollrads.com/Wgt.-Schloss-Vollrads-Rheingau-Riesling-Sekt-b.A.-extra-Brut/1630-2023

 

Location: Hamburg, Germany

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