Ulrich Langguth 12° Sekt Review

Takeaway

A crisp German sparkling Riesling that tastes like lime soda with a floral twist, perfect for anyone curious about sekt and looking for something new under twenty dollars.

First Thought

This week we finally opened a sekt, Germany’s answer to sparkling wine. The bottle came from Ulrich Langguth, a producer with vineyards perched on the steep slopes of the Mosel River. Aaron brought it to the table to celebrate his new baby and his wife’s German heritage, making it a fitting pick after the team had already explored Champagne, Prosecco, and Crémant in past episodes. At just $18 and with a clean, efficient German style, it felt like the right moment to give sekt its debut on the show.

Tasting NOtes

On the nose, the wine gave off light citrus, lime, and green apple with hints of honeysuckle and a touch of peach. It didn’t lean into the petrol note some Rieslings are known for, staying fresh and approachable instead.

On the palate, the flavors carried through with apple, lime, and soft peach, plus a distinct honeyed smoothness. The texture was rounder than expected, with sweetness more noticeable than acidity. That balance sparked some debate: Aaron felt the medium body worked well, while Colin thought the sugar overwhelmed the crispness Riesling usually delivers. The finish lingered sweet and limey, almost like a floral Sprite.

Quick Tasting Notes

• Green apple
• Lime
• Honeysuckle
• Peach
• Light floral finish

Highlights

Why It’s Special
It is sekt made entirely from German-grown Riesling grapes, not imported fruit, which is uncommon given how expensive viticulture can be on Mosel’s steep vineyards.

When to Pour It
Best for casual sipping, parties, or as a fun alternative to Prosecco when you want something slightly off the beaten path.

Sweetness Level Seafood is the obvious play here. Think grilled shrimp, oysters, or ceviche. It would also shine with a summer salad or soft goat cheese.

Final Verdict

• Colin: Casual Sipper. The flavors were pleasant, but the lack of acidity left it feeling unbalanced. He enjoyed the floral and fruit notes but wanted more freshness.
• Joel: Casual Sipper. He liked the honey and lime character and thought it was well made, but the Sprite-like finish kept it just short of “Must Share.”
• Aaron: Between Casual Sipper and Must Share. He saw it as a great value bottle with a fun story, worth sharing with friends curious about German wine.

Group Consensus: A quality, easy-drinking sekt that is not a waste of your wine. While it didn’t quite reach “Must Share” status, it is a fun, affordable introduction to German sparkling wine that deserves a place on your table.

And as always Stop Wasting Your Wine!