On Monday, 8 September 2025, the Österreichische Traditionsweingüter (ÖTW) hosted a dedicated Austrian Sekt Masterclass as part of the ÖTW Single Vineyard Summit (8–12 September 2025) at Gutshof Mörwald. The session was led by two acclaimed experts: Sascha Speicher, sparkling wine specialist and editor-in-chief of Meininger’s Sommelier, and Andreas Wickhoff MW, one of the few Masters of Wine with deep expertise in international sparkling wine.
Austrian Sekt at an International Level
The focus of the masterclass was Austrian Winzersekt – a category that has long achieved international recognition for quality and distinction. From the outset, ÖTW members have played a key role in shaping Austria’s sparkling wine landscape, pushing it towards precision, elegance, and authenticity. Today, Sekt Austria represents a pinnacle of craftsmanship that stands shoulder to shoulder with world-renowned sparkling wine regions.
Blind Tasting Format
The tasting itself was conducted blind, underscoring the unbiased evaluation of the wines. Participants were presented with flights of five sparkling wines at a time, without knowing their estate, origin, or style. Only after each flight was discussed and analyzed were the wines revealed. This method allowed for a genuine exploration of structure, finesse, and terroir expression, highlighting how profoundly distinctive Austrian Sekt has become.
Distinctiveness and Diversity
The masterclass demonstrated that Austrian sparkling wine today is not only internationally competitive, but also unique in its identity. Each wine showed layers of precision, from crisp fruit to finely integrated mousse, reflecting both regional terroir and the ambition of the producers. The tasting illuminated the remarkable range of styles—from mineral-driven bottlings with razor-sharp acidity to richly textured wines with long lees ageing.
Wine Presented
Rosé
Jurtschitsch Brut Rosé NV Langenlois (Austria)
Cantina della Volta Brut Rosé Spumante 2018 (Italy)
Harkamp Brut Rosé NV Leibnitz (Austria)
Wieninger Brut Nature Rosé "Cuvee Katharina) NV Wien (Austria)
Josef Fritz Brut Rosé Pinot Noir 2020 (Austria)
Blanc de Blancs
Markus Huber Brut Blanc de Blancs Grüner Veltliner 2021
Vitikultur MOSER Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 2021
Antoine Chevalier Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs "Carkonnia" Le Jardin de Meunier 2020
Buchegger Extra Brut 2019
Steininger Brut Ried Heiligenstein Riesling 2019
Blanc de Noirs
Gruber Röschitz Brut Nature Blanc de Noirs 2021
Christian Madl Brut Blanc de Noirs "Signature Collection" 2019
Griesel & Compagnie Brut Nature Pinot Noir "Prestige" 2020
Bründlmayer Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs 2016
Fred Loimer Brut Nature Blanc de Noirs NV
Aging / Assemblage
Malat Brut Nature 2019
Weszeli Brut nature Blanc de Blancs 2018
Johann Topf Brut 2014
Champagne Laurent-Perrier Brut "Grand Siecle Grande Cuvee No. 26" NV
ÖTW as a Driving Force
The event also emphasized the ÖTW’s crucial role in elevating Austrian sparkling wine. By setting benchmarks and providing a platform for collective excellence, the Traditionsweingüter have fostered a culture where Austrian Sekt is not just a domestic success story, but a global ambassador for Austrian wine.
A Key Highlight of the Summit
This masterclass was one of the intellectual highlights of the ÖTW Single Vineyard Summit 2025, offering trade professionals, sommeliers, and journalists a rare opportunity to engage in focused, high-level dialogue on Austria’s sparkling wine potential. It was a clear message: Austrian Sekt is here to stay on the world stage, with both quality and identity firmly established.
Source: ÖTW