German Riesling Sparkling Wine Wins Top Honor at VINUM Sekt Award 2024

A Riesling sparkling wine from Weingut Zehe-Clauss in Mainz-Hechtsheim has won the German Sekt Award at this year's VINUM competition. The 2022 Riesling Sekt Brut stood out among a record 512 entries, earning top marks for its quality and craftsmanship. Visitors to a local spring wine event also had the chance to sample the award-winning drink before its official recognition.

The ninth edition of the VINUM Sekt Award saw the highest scores ever recorded. Weingut Zehe-Clauss took home the prize for its 2022 Riesling Sekt Brut, which aged on the lees for at least nine months. The wine impressed judges with its finesse, securing 94 out of 100 points.

The award ceremony took place at ProWein in Düsseldorf, where 33 prizes were handed out across nine categories. Alongside its top honour, the Mainz-Hechtsheim winery shared the spotlight with Griesel & Compagnie from Bensheim, named Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year. Priced at €12.50 per bottle, the Riesling Sekt Brut also earned the 'Best Buy' special prize in the under-€15 category. The winery now plans to broaden its sparkling wine range, with future releases set to include Pinot, Scheurebe, and Rosé varieties.

The 2022 Riesling Sekt Brut has already drawn attention for its balance of affordability and excellence. Its success at the VINUM awards highlights the growing reputation of German sparkling wines. The winery's expansion into new grape varieties suggests further developments in its production line.