Sekt, word used in German-speaking countries for sparkling wine. Governed in Germany by manufacturing rather than wine law, most Sekt there is inexpensive and produced in bulk in tank from imported wine. The name Deutscher Sekt designates Sekt from German fruit, and a significant minority of German Sekt is bottle fermented wine made with ambition by family wineries, co-operatives, and houses specializing in the style from Riesling and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) grapes.

Austria’s Sekt producers, some of which were already established during the era of the Austro-Hungarian empire, typically source their grapes from the weinviertel in Lower Austria. Some of the country’s most quality-conscious estates also make sparkling wine.