Henkell Dry

Henkell & Co. is one of Germany's largest sparkling producers, and Henkell Trocken has been its flagship Sekt for well over a century. The wine is blended from a selection of international base wines, typically drawing on grapes such as Chardonnay, Trebbiano and Welschriesling, and it is made by the tank method so the second fermentation happens in pressurised steel rather than in bottle. That approach keeps the style fresh and primary, with a light bready hint rather than deep autolytic weight, and the finish is dry despite the traditional trocken label reading softer than a Champagne brut.

The colour is a bright pale yellow with a fine, brisk bead. The nose shows apple, pear and citrus with a floral edge, and the palate is clean, fresh and dry with an easy, invigorating finish. Serve well chilled in a white wine glass or a flute. It is a versatile aperitif and pairs with light salads, white fish and shellfish, and it also works well as a base for a sparkling cocktail.