Raumland 'Cuvée Katharina Tradition' Brut Nature, Rheinhessen, Germany 2018
Pickup available at DECANT Napa - 2999 Solano, Napa, CA
Usually ready in 1 hour
Sekthaus Raumland founded 1984 (originally as sparkling wine production operation) by Volker and Heide-Rose Raumland with purchase of Villa Merkel in Flörsheim-Dalsheim 1990, pioneering exclusive focus on traditional method sparkling wine production when considered unthinkable in Germany, often described as grandseigneur/Sektpapst (Sparkling Wine Pope) of German Sekt, first pure sparkling wine estate admitted to prestigious VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) in 2020 bringing German Sekt scene forward internationally, daughters Katharina and Marie-Luise joined family business 2019 representing generational transition, Falstaff named Raumland "Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year," estate cultivates 10 hectares vineyards spanning Rheinhessen and Pfalz (Flörsheim-Dalsheim located exactly on border of two regions), product range comprises three lines based on lees aging: Tradition (36+ months), Réserve (90 months), Grande Réserve (120 months), Cuvée Katharina named after youngest daughter of Volker and Heide-Rose, philosophy emphasizes pure passion for Sekt, time and temperature allowing wine to develop naturally on lees in cool cellars, inspired by Burgundy sparkling wines but distinctly German expression rather than Champagne imitation, member of VDP since 2020 with VDP.SEKT.PRESTIGE classification.
- WINEMAKER: Volker Raumland with Heide-Rose Raumland, daughters Katharina and Marie-Luise Raumland
- FARMING: Certified Organic, biological cultivation of estate vineyards, hand-harvesting exclusively, no chemical fertilizers
- VARIETY: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir
- TERROIR: Rheinhessen (Wonnegau sub-region), Flörsheim-Dalsheim, shell limestone and Terra Fusca soils providing minerality depth and complexity, 2018 vintage characterized by long cool winter allowing soils to store significant water reserves extremely advantageous for subsequent dry summer, early flowering end of May, "summer of the century" with sunny conditions and minimal precipitation, slowed ripening development with grapes maintaining excellent health, beautiful harvest conditions in September
- VINIFICATION: Méthode Traditionnelle (traditional method) with second fermentation in bottle, whole bunch pressing using only heart of grape (cuvée pressing) for maximum quality and finesse, base wines fermented slowly in 100% stainless steel tanks, each parcel vinified separately to preserve individual character, malolactic fermentation completed, base wines aged on fine lees until following spring, assemblage (cuvéetisation) begins in March, unfiltered
- AGING: 44 months on lees, harvest August-September 2018, tirage July 2019, disgorged January 2023, Brut Nature dosage 1.3 g/L residual sugar, 7.0 g/L total acidity, 12% alcohol
- TASTING NOTES: Elegant expression combining grace of Pinot Noir with crisp apple and red currant flavors, subtle notes of yeast and brioche from extended lees aging, citrus undertones with hints of walnut, puristic Brut Nature style exhibits fresh texture with impressive creaminess despite bone-dry finish, taut and focused with mineral salty acidity, fine persistent bubbles, rich in finesse with vivid palate presence and delicate spiciness
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Fresh pasta dishes, creamy risotto, sushi and ceviche, bratwurst with sauerkraut, aged Gouda, mushroom-based dishes, delicate seafood including oysters and scallops, charcuterie, light appetizers
- SCORES: 93 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage), 95 Wine Enthusiast (2014 vintage), 92+ Falstaff (2017 vintage), 91 Wine Enthusiast (2012 vintage)
Sekthaus Raumland founded 1984 (originally as sparkling wine production operation) by Volker and Heide-Rose Raumland with purchase of Villa Merkel in Flörsheim-Dalsheim 1990, pioneering exclusive focus on traditional method sparkling wine production when considered unthinkable in Germany, often described as grandseigneur/Sektpapst (Sparkling Wine Pope) of German Sekt, first pure sparkling wine estate admitted to prestigious VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) in 2020 bringing German Sekt scene forward internationally, daughters Katharina and Marie-Luise joined family business 2019 representing generational transition, Falstaff named Raumland "Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year," estate cultivates 10 hectares vineyards spanning Rheinhessen and Pfalz (Flörsheim-Dalsheim located exactly on border of two regions), product range comprises three lines based on lees aging: Tradition (36+ months), Réserve (90 months), Grande Réserve (120 months), Cuvée Katharina named after youngest daughter of Volker and Heide-Rose, philosophy emphasizes pure passion for Sekt, time and temperature allowing wine to develop naturally on lees in cool cellars, inspired by Burgundy sparkling wines but distinctly German expression rather than Champagne imitation, member of VDP since 2020 with VDP.SEKT.PRESTIGE classification.
- WINEMAKER: Volker Raumland with Heide-Rose Raumland, daughters Katharina and Marie-Luise Raumland
- FARMING: Certified Organic, biological cultivation of estate vineyards, hand-harvesting exclusively, no chemical fertilizers
- VARIETY: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir
- TERROIR: Rheinhessen (Wonnegau sub-region), Flörsheim-Dalsheim, shell limestone and Terra Fusca soils providing minerality depth and complexity, 2018 vintage characterized by long cool winter allowing soils to store significant water reserves extremely advantageous for subsequent dry summer, early flowering end of May, "summer of the century" with sunny conditions and minimal precipitation, slowed ripening development with grapes maintaining excellent health, beautiful harvest conditions in September
- VINIFICATION: Méthode Traditionnelle (traditional method) with second fermentation in bottle, whole bunch pressing using only heart of grape (cuvée pressing) for maximum quality and finesse, base wines fermented slowly in 100% stainless steel tanks, each parcel vinified separately to preserve individual character, malolactic fermentation completed, base wines aged on fine lees until following spring, assemblage (cuvéetisation) begins in March, unfiltered
- AGING: 44 months on lees, harvest August-September 2018, tirage July 2019, disgorged January 2023, Brut Nature dosage 1.3 g/L residual sugar, 7.0 g/L total acidity, 12% alcohol
- TASTING NOTES: Elegant expression combining grace of Pinot Noir with crisp apple and red currant flavors, subtle notes of yeast and brioche from extended lees aging, citrus undertones with hints of walnut, puristic Brut Nature style exhibits fresh texture with impressive creaminess despite bone-dry finish, taut and focused with mineral salty acidity, fine persistent bubbles, rich in finesse with vivid palate presence and delicate spiciness
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Fresh pasta dishes, creamy risotto, sushi and ceviche, bratwurst with sauerkraut, aged Gouda, mushroom-based dishes, delicate seafood including oysters and scallops, charcuterie, light appetizers
- SCORES: 93 Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage), 95 Wine Enthusiast (2014 vintage), 92+ Falstaff (2017 vintage), 91 Wine Enthusiast (2012 vintage)