Moritz Kissinger and the New Culture of German Sparkling Wine

Since last year, when we offered a micro-parcel of Kissinger's "Winzersekt No. 1," the momentum of German sparkling wine has only accelerated.

There is no doubt that there is a revolution underway.

photo of bottle of Kissinger Winzersekt Nr

This makes perfect sense: Few countries can shape wines with such crystalline purity, with such rapier-like acidities. The potential for sparkling wines here is almost unfathomable.

If the name Moritz Kissinger is not yet on your radar, it will be soon.

Kissinger first came to collector's attention when none other than Klaus Peter Keller raved about a bottle of his Chardonnay. Since then, his scarce releases have become something of a phenomenon - Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs, Weissburgunders, and, yes, Riesling all from the cold, limestone-riddled center of the Rheinhessen.

Yet it could be that Moritz's true love is sparkling wine. He has spent a lot of time in Champagne. Today, we are proud to offer a small parcel of Kissinger's "Winzersekt No. 2" - only his second-ever "Winzersekt" bottling, a homage to a more direct expression of sparkling wine.

At $40 on the four-pack, this should be one of the quickest sell-outs we'll have.

For the few who secured last year's release, you may be surprised by the force and cut of the "No. 2." From 100% Pinot Blanc cuvee of last year, this year we have a 1/3 blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc.

The bottling has fine layers of nervy citrus and stone fruit, a tensile backbone of minerals, and dusty herbs. As with great Champagne, the dizzying quality is both precision and an almost airy expansiveness. Having said this, we should point out that one of the most compelling qualities is that Kissinger's sparkling is that it is not Champagne.

It is something new, the articulation of a specific place made to manifest through the methode of the Champenoise. This is just the exciting first chapter.

For the moment, Kissinger's "Winzersekt No. 2" is fairly priced and available. As Kissinger's wines become more available in the U.S. the word is spreading. Let's see how long this situation lasts.

To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Joe Salamone
Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits

This offer has sold out, but you may also consider ....

Special 4-pack pricing for a limited time. Use Code: Winzersekt2