Sparkling Sekts

By / Wine + Drinks / February 11th, 2009 / 1

Though edited to comply with publication standards, this article may contain words, phrases and/or suggestions not suitable for young or sensitive readers, discretion is advised — editor

Disclaimer:

Sekts is the short German name for Qualitatsschaumweins or sparkling wines. The author in no way intends this term to be misconstrued by readers with over-active imaginations.

Even in this enlightened day and age, the topic of sekts carries with it a great deal of mystery, confusion and even taboo. Many still feel uncomfortable talking about the subject frankly and openly. However, it is only through such discussion that some of the misconceptions, assumptions and even embarrassment surrounding sekts will be clarified and reduced, and true enjoyment realized.

A Brief History

It is difficult to ascertain when sekts was first enjoyed. Historical documents reveal that it has been around for at least a thousand years. However, there can be no doubt that the type enjoyed by ancient races was not nearly as refined as what we love today.

The French, naturally asserting expertise on the subject, claim to have practically invented sekts. In fact, French sektsperts argue that it was a blind monk, of all people, named Dom Perignon who “discovered” it quite by accident while experimenting back in the 17th Century. That the frisky Dom stumbled across something magical goes without saying. Whether or not it was true sekts, as we know it today, remains the question.

The Spanish also experimented at an early age. Jose Raventos, the “Don Juan” of sekts, created a Spanish variation in 1872, apparently having seen Dom Perignon in action. As a historical footnote it is interesting to observe that the two men collaborated, thus pointing to a fairly liberal attitude towards this sort of thing in their day.

And while the French and Spanish both have high-quality sekts, Germany has the most of it. In fact, Germany is responsible for twice as much sekts as France. Who would have thought?

Enjoying Sekts

There is no doubt that many of you have already tried sekts — perhaps many times. For those of you who haven’t, you should realize that it can be something of an acquired taste. Like many of life’s more gratifying indulgences, enjoying sekts to the fullest may involve patience and practice. Not everyone takes to it immediately and a bad experience at the beginning could have dire consequences later in life. Have an open mind and remind yourself that you may have to try it two, perhaps even three times before deciding whether or not it is right for you.

Timing is an important consideration.Traditionally, people often abstain from sekts until their wedding night or other times of celebration. While this may be acceptable when really great sekts is in order, the amount of good quality cheap sekts available means you can indulge regularly.

Truth is, you can enjoy sekts almost anytime you’re in the mood. While many have discovered the joy of having it before dinner, more adventurous souls have found that indulging in it throughout the course of a meal can add interesting new dimensions. A little sekts first thing in the morning can also be extremely luxurious and satisfying. A word of warning; you can have too much of a good thing. Over indulging can result in pain. Especially the morning after.

While sekts can indeed be magical between two people you can, in fact, enjoy it all on your own. Other times it is best shared with others. “Group sekts,” as this activity is often called, allows people to compare different types in a frank, open and adult manner. This is one of the best ways to introduce novices to the infinite variety available.

Age, family and sekts

When young, sekts can be exuberant, even giddy. With age, it takes on a more serious and mature nature. The best can last for many, many years. But like all things, it won’t last forever and will eventually lose its fizz. Once you find your preferred style, it’s best to enjoy it to its fullest before it becomes flat and lifeless.

While your introduction to sekts may be secretive and behind closed doors, your passion will inevitably develop to the point where you will no doubt become more demonstrative. You will want to spread your knowledge among others. Indeed, it will probably become an important part of your family life.

As we know, children and teenagers are very curious indeed. There will come a time when you will have to talk about sekts with your young ones. For instance, your son Bobby may come home from a friend’s house and say, “Mommy, Daddy, I saw Jimmy’s parents having sekts… in the kitchen!”

How you choose to respond can affect your child’s attitude as they mature. Explain to them that sekts is a wonderful thing that adults enjoy, but something that young people must be very cautious around. There are a number of good books that can introduce and explore the subject if you find doing so yourself is uncomfortable.

Sekts is natural indulgence, and a very civilized one at that. It can be enjoyed by all mature adults alone, in groups or with a special someone. By experimenting with a variety of styles, in a variety of situations, you will discover what is right for you; the sekts that really pops your cork.

 


 

Not into Sekts? How about a little Fourplay?

As refreshing as sekts may be, it can get boring if it’s the only thing you indulge in. The Italians know this, and have found ways of having even more fun under the Tuscan sun. The Dievole family is actively promoting Fourplay. Using four indigenous grape varieties, the Dievoles have introduced something red that will no doubt improve your sekts life. The family website states:

“Fourplay is a worldly affair with the almost forlorn grapes of the third planet from the Sun. The Earth is in play to stimulate axial rotation away from all conforming formula-wines. Four grapes which are native to Earth’s most distinguishable terroirs are paired at harvest to play the part of their most secret nature. The four forerunners of modern clones reclaim themselves in a wine that will never be definitely defined. Fourplay is born from a fourcycle pursuit: field selection, clonal selection, field blend vinification, propagation of mother vines.”

We have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. However, if you’d like to explore Fourplay in greater depth, visit www.dievole.it

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tod Stewart is the contributing editor at Quench. He's an award-winning Toronto-based wine/spirits/food/travel/lifestyle writer with over 35 years industry experience. He has contributed to newspapers, periodicals, and trade publications and has acted as a consultant to the hospitality industry. No matter what the subject matter, he aims to write an entertaining read. His book, 'Where The Spirits Moved Me' is now available on Amazon and Apple.

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