Apostelhoeve Cuvée XII Brut

Apostelhoeve Cuvée XII Brut: Top Dutch Sparkling Wines from Maastricht

Blossom, tropical fruit, almond and roses – those are the first aromas you taste. The sparkling variant of the popular Cuvée XII. This Cuvée XII Brut from Apostelhoeve, the oldest wine estate of The Netherlands, is made according to the traditional method (méthode traditionnelle).

The blend consists of 50% Auxerrois, 25% Pinot Gris, and 25% Müller-Thurgau or Riesling. The grapes grow on the Louwberg near Maastricht on a marl soil topped by a layer of rich loess. This sparkling wine has lively acidity and a silky mousse with a broad and elegant flavor profile. Perfect with oysters and shellfish.

• Taste: blossom, tropical fruit, almond, roses, mineral
• Style: lively, refined, elegant, crisp dry
• Grapes: 50% Auxerrois, 25% Pinot Gris, 25% Müller-Thurgau/Riesling
• Perfect with: oysters, shellfish, fresh salmon, goat cheese

Tasting and Pairing: A Stylish Dutch Brut

The Apostelhoeve Cuvée XII Brut It has a brilliant light yellow color with a fine mousse and persistent bubbles. On the nose, notes of lemon peel, white fruit, and a hint of almond. On the palate, lively and refined sparkling, with a fine balance between freshness, elegance, and soft texture. A rich aroma of blossom and tropical fruit emerges, with discernible notes of almonds and roses on the finish.

The Apostelhoeve Cuvée XII Brut It has beautiful, lively acidity that provides refinement and freshness, all accompanied by a velvety mousse. On the palate, it is rich and broad with a distinct note of mineralization from the marl soil surrounding Maastricht. Finally, a beautiful, long finish. The minerality of the marl soil is reflected in the taste, giving this Dutch sparkling wine its distinctive character.

Pair Apostelhoeve Cuvée XII Brut with:

• Oysters and seafood
• Lobster or other crustaceans
• Tuna or salmon tartare
• Vegetable tempura
• Roast chicken or turkey
• Fresh salmon with citrus
• Goat cheese as an aperitif
• Sushi and sashimi
• Asparagus with hollandaise sauce
• Light fish dishes

Apostelhoeve: Nederlands Oudste Wijndomein sinds 1970

Around 1600, the vineyard of Apostelhoeve completely uprooted by the then owner. It took until 1970 for the grape to return here. In that year, fruit grower Hugo Hulst planted 800 vines on the Louwberg, situated on the southern slopes of the Jekerdal. The Netherlands' oldest, largest, and best-known wine estate, Apostelhoeve, has since grown into a winery with over 14 hectares of vineyards.

The soil of the Louwberg contains abundant loess, marl, and gravel—very important components in the internationally award-winning wines of the Hulst family. It is, therefore, no wonder that the ‘white gold’ the family harvests from the vineyards here features on the wine lists of the finest restaurants. Since 1973, the Hulst family has been cultivating grapes here using modern techniques for optimal ripeness and selection.

The Apostelhoeve Cuvée XII Brut It is made according to the traditional French method (méthode traditionnelle), with second fermentation in the bottle and long aging on the lees. The initial fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, followed by a nine-month period ‘sur lattes’. The impressive cellars ensure perfect conditions for the fermentation and aging of the wines.

The Limburg hills form the heart of Dutch viticulture. With calcareous soils, south-facing slopes, and increasingly favorable weather conditions, this region now produces wines that are gaining international recognition. The Jeker Valley near Maastricht is particularly well-suited for grapes such as Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, and Riesling. Wines from this region are characterized by freshness, elegance, and minerality.

For lovers of Dutch wines, there is also the Apostelhoeve Cuvée XII – the silent version – highly recommended. Or try the Auxerrois van Thorn! Or view our selection Dutch wines for more surprisingly good wines from our own country.