# Thörle Josephine Riesling Sekt Brut (2023)

- **Producer:** Weingut Thörle
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Riesling
- **Region:** Rheinhessen, Germany
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €16
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 6–8 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, lemon, white pepper, brioche, toast, biscuit, butter

## About this wine

Weingut Thörle, located in Saulheim in central Rheinhessen, traces its viticultural roots back to 1517. The estate is managed by brothers Christoph and Johannes Thörle, who have transformed it into a leading producer of organic wines in Germany. This cuvée is named after Josephine, the second daughter of winemaker Johannes Thörle. Produced from hand-harvested Riesling grown in limestone-rich soils, this sparkling wine reflects the winery's dedication to organic farming and high-quality traditional method sparklers.

## Interesting facts

- Dedicated to Josephine, the second daughter of winemaker Johannes Thörle.
- Undergoes 100% spontaneous malolactic fermentation, an unusual step for Riesling Sekt that softens harsh acidity.
- Aged for 15 months on full lees and hand-riddled according to traditional Champagne methods.

## Food pairing

The high acidity, fine perlage, and rich autolytic yeast character of traditional method sparkling Riesling cut through rich fats, butter sauces, and creamy cheeses while perfectly complementing fresh seafood and light savory bites.

## Wine making process

The base wine was 100% spontaneously fermented in stainless steel tanks and underwent 100% spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Following secondary fermentation in the bottle via the Traditional Method (Méthode Traditionnelle) in July 2024, the sparkling wine matured on its full yeast lees for 15 months. The bottles were hand-riddled prior to disgorgement, resulting in a refined Winzersekt crafted in the classic Champagne style.