Schlumberger Sparkling Vintage Sekt Brut in wooden box

Schlumberger has produced sparkling wine in Vienna since 1842 and remains Austria's benchmark house for the traditional method it calls Méthode Schlumberger. This vintage Sekt, presented in a large-format bottle within a wooden case, undergoes a second fermentation in bottle followed by extended ageing on the lees. That autolytic contact builds the bready, nutty character that separates bottle-fermented Sekt from lighter tank-method fizz, while the cool Austrian growing season keeps the acidity taut and the fruit clean.

Expect a bright straw colour with a fine, persistent bead. The nose leads with green apple, pear and lemon, backed by almond and a soft floral note. The palate is dry and structured, the mousse creamy, with toasted bread and orchard fruit carrying through to a long finish. Serve at 7 to 9 degrees in a white wine glass rather than a narrow flute to let the aromatics show. It works as an aperitif and alongside shellfish, white fish and hard nutty cheeses.