Andreas Bender, Riesling Sekt Klassische, Mosel, Germany

Who - Andreas Bender
Where - Mosel, Germany
What - Sparkling Wine - Riesling
When - 2023
How - Organic, Traditional Method, first fermentation in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, 15 months on lees in bottle, Vegan

Andreas Bender's wines are a constant at Iron & Rose. "Dajoar" has been a go to Riesling for so many Riesling fans for a number of years - and made many Riesling converts. 

Andreas was only 13 years old when he made his first wine, learning about viticulture, soil and terroir from his father who was a vine propagator. From then on he knew he was destined to be a wine maker. He studied and then hit the road, working at wineries in Germany, France Italy and the US before he settled back home in 2008 to start his own project on his family vineyards. 

Andreas' philosophy is unusual in that he doesn't commercialise his top single vineyards separately. This doesn't mean he's not a traditionalist though and actually vinifies grapes from each individual vineyard site separately every year, resulting in a multitude of different cuvées which are later blended to make the best of each vintage into a number of different wines. He believes careful cellar work, simple techniques and natural fermentation are key.

Andreas' own vineyards are farmed organically and he also works with trusted growers who farm to his specifications.

This Sekt is a classic, traditional method sparkling wine. Dry but with lovely fruit and length, a perfect aperitif but also great at home drunk with food.