From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, July 02 - Thursday, July 13, 2023. The tour started in Lyon and ended in Paris.

Today we said goodbye to the Burgundy wine region and crossed into the Champagne region.

Before leaving Burgundy, we visited the Fontenay Abbey:

Guided Tour at Fontenay Abbey (Bernard de Clairveau), Montbard- From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Our first winery visit was in Gyé-sur-Seine, Côte des Bar, Champagne,, Côte des Bar, Champagne, were we enjoyed a cellar tour and tasting at Champagne Jean Josselin, with Jean Pierre Josselin and Export Manager Sharona Tsubota. 

Before the tour and tasting, we had lunch in Gyé-sur-Seine, in a basic village brasserie, with Export Manager Sharona Tsubota and Lucile, Jean Pierre Josselin's daughter. Annette had chosen the menu du jour and for wine we tasted different champagnes.

Champagne Jean Josselin

The Josselin family has been growing grapes since 1854 in Gyé-­sur­-Seine in the Côte des Bar, located 150km south of Epernay and 200km south of Reims and crossed by two rivers: the Seine and the Aube. The Côte des Bar became part of the official Champagne region in the early 1900s.

In 1957 Jean Josselin decided to create his own brand: ‘Champagne Jean Josselin’. Champagne Jean Josselin ist a typical so-called ‘grower Champagne’. The entire operation is managed by the family. Jean Pierre Josselin and son Jean Félix tend to the vines and take care of the vinification and Veronique Josselin does sales and marketing. They hired an American Sharona Tsubota to get into the American market. The Champagne house Jean Josselin produce about 100,000 bottles per year depending on the vintage.

Lunch

From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (Released and Forthcoming Postings)

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Announcement: Burgundy and Champagne 2023: 12-day Total Immersion - From Lyon to Paris by ombiasy WineTours 

Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris - Wine, Food, Culture and History, France 

David Miller: From Lyon to Paris, Burgundy and Champagne Tour by ombiasy WineTours, July 02 - Thursday, July 13, 2023

Summary: From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Dinner at Restaurant Le Grand Café des Négociants and Walking Tour in Lyon - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Chermette in Saint-Vérand, Beaujolais, with Martine and Jean-Etienne Chermette - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château de Jacques, in Romanèche-Thorins, Beaujolais, with Genevieve Bonifacio, Responsable Commerciale - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Château de Pizay in Belleville-en-Beaujolais - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

In the Most Prestigious AOC in the Mâconnais: Pouilly-Fuissé, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Ferret in Fuissé, Poully-Fuissé, Mâconnais, with the Outgoing DG/ Winemaker Audrey Braccini and Incoming DG/ Winemaker Clément Robinet - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Domaine Céline & Laurent Tripoz, Mâconnais, with Céline & Laurent Tripoz - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Menand in Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, with Fabienne Menand - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Beaune, Bourgogne

Dinner at Restaurant La Table du Square in Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Walk in the Vineyard, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Jessiaume in Santenay, Côte de Beaune, with DG/ Winemaker William Waterkeyn - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Vineyards Walk around Meursault with Karoline Knoth, Author of "Castles and Châteaux in Meursault" - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant L’Agastache in Volnay, with Caroline (Service) and Nunzio Iacono (Kitchen), Michelin and Gault Millau Listed - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour of Château de Rully by Owner Count Raoul de Ternay, with Tasting of Domaine Rully Wines - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Le Relais de Saulx in Beaune, with the Couple Charles Danet, Chef, and Agnès Peyre, Service, 12/ 20 Points Gault Millau - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At Maison Olivier Leflaive in Puligny Montrachet: Vineyard Walk and a Talk with Olivier Leflaive - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at La Table d’Olivier with Icon Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Château de Pommard in Pommard, Côte de Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-George, Côte de Nuits - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch and Wine Tasting with Sommelier Emmanuel Thibout at Restaurant Le Vintage, Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Louis Jadot in Beaune with Thibaud Marquis, US Representative of Louis Jadot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Bus Tour Through the Vineyards of Vosne-Romanée, Côte de Nuits, with Melissa Rion and Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Rion, Vosne-Romanée - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at Domaine Trapet, Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Ancient Cellars and Tasting at Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine and Music at "De Bach à Bacchus Festival de Meursault", with Karoline Knoth - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Hospices de Beaune and its Wines, Guided Tour - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Au Creux de Vougeot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of Château du Clos de Vougeot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars and other Wine Venues in Chablis, France

Dinner at Restaurant Hostellerie des Clos in Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting from Tank, Barrel and Bottle at Domaine Servin in Chablis, with Marc Cameron and François Servin - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour at Fontenay Abbey (Bernard de Clairveau), Montbard- From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Champagne– An Introduction, France

French Champagne Houses and German Roots

Champagne Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Chez Bellou in Gyé-sur-Seine, Champagne - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Visit and Tasting at Champagne Jean Josselin, a Grower Champagne House in Gyé­ sur­ Seine – Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours, France

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Champagne Jean Josselin in Gyé-sur-Seine, Côte des Bar, Champagne, with Jean Pierre Josselin and Export Manager Sharona Tsubota

Tour of l'Avenue de Champagne in Epernay - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours 

Hanging out at the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, Champagne

Tasting at Champagne Maison Gamet in Mardeuil, Vallée de la Marne, with Philippe, Fabienne and Marianne Gamet

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Champagne Alfred Gratien in Èpernay

French/ Thai Fusion Dinner at Restaurant Cook’In in Épernay (Bib Gourmant Michelin), with Chef Guillaume and Uma (Service).

Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, May 28 - Thursday, June 08, 2023. We toured Austria for 12 days, starting and ending in Vienna: Wien, Wagram, Carnuntum, Burgenland, Steiermark, Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental, Wien.

For international wine lovers the Wachau is probably the best known wine region in Niederösterreich, specializing in dry Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. It is a tiny sub wine region and the westernmost wine producing region with only 3% of Austria’s wine production. It is incredibly beautiful. The steep terraced vineyards straddle the Danube river for about 16 kilometres. The Wachau came up with its own classification system for their dry wines: Steinfeder for wines up to 11.5% alc, Federspiel for wines between 11.5-12.5 % alc, and Smaragd for wines with a minimum of 12.5% alc. The Wachau is a UNESCO world heritage site. The Kremstal is sandwiched between the Wachau and the larger Kamptal.

The visit of Domäne Wachau in Dünstein consisted of a vineyard walk, a cellar tour and a seated tasting. 

The wines of Domäne Wachau are available in the USA through González Byass USA, a Chicago based importer for a strategically selected portfolio of fine wine and spirit brands from around the world including Spain, Chile, Italy and Austria.

Domäne Wachau, Dürnstein, Wachau, Niederösterreich

Domäne Wachau, led by Roman Horvath MW and Heinz Frischengruber, has developed into one of the most important top wineries in Austria, with an excellent range of Wachau wines that beautifully reflect origin. 

The Domäne Wachau was founded in 1938 through the purchase of the winery of the Starhemberg family (the Starhemberg family is part of the oldest Austrian aristocracy circle, called the Apostle lineage. There are only four families left these days). There are about 250 families who cultivate the 1100 acres (1/3 of the entire Wachau vineyard area) of small, steep terraced vineyards along the Danube river through their intensive manual work. The winegrowing families are of decisive relevance for the quality of the Domäne wines. Many worked for generation in the steep vineyards and know the specificity of each plot. Craftsmanship, sustainability, and the unique biodiversity are the pillars of the vineyards that Domäne Wachau manages. Many of these vineyards are world-famous, including Achleiten, Kellerberg and Singerriedel. The wines reflect their authentic character of origin. Their distinction comes from the sparse gneiss soils of the vineyards and the typical cool and fresh Wachau acidity structure.

Domäne Wachau -  González Byass USA

Domäne Wachau is deeply rooted in the Wachau region and manages 30 percent of the entire Wachau vineyard area (400 hectares), including half of Austria’s most iconic vineyard, Achleiten. Additional famous vineyards such as Kollmitz, Liebenberg and Tausend-Eimer-Berg are found on the Domäne Wachau’s vineyard map and make it the only winery in the Wachau with wines from all of the most prestigious sites in the region.

The winery is led by Master of Wine Roman Horvath, whose team works closely with growers, and has instituted a vineyard quality assurance program. This sustainable vineyard management program includes measures of quality cultivation and is customized according to specific vineyards and vintage.

In the Wine Cellar

Tasting

Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - Published and Forthcoming Postings

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Announcement: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023 

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

Wine Producer Austria - Not Only Gruener Veltliner

Summary: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Spots to Drink Wine in Vienna, Austria

Dinner at an Iconic Beisl in Vienna: Griechenbeisl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Monastery/ Palace Klosterneuburg and of the Weingut Klosterneuburg, with Wine Tasting - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz at Plachutta in der Wollzeile, Vienna. Plachutta is more than a Restaurant: it is a Vienna Institution - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

After Dinner Drinks at Vis-a-Vis Wine Bar, Vienna - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vienna: Viaker City Tour and Tour of Schloss Schönbrunn - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Die Seejungfrau in Jois at Lake Neusiedl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Leo Hillinger, Burgenland, with Jakob Scharner, Diplom-Sommelier - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Netzl, Carnuntum, with Franz, Christine and Christina Netzl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Mole West at Lake Neusiedl- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Anita and Hans Nittnaus, Burgenland, with Anita, Hans and Martin Nittnaus - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Umathum, Burgenland, with Joseph Umathum - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

2 Nights at Schloss Halbturn at Lake Neusiedl: Sekt Reception and two Dinners - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steindorfer, Burgenland, with Ernst and Roland Steindorfer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Light Lunch at Gránátos Étterem at Esterházy Kástely in Fertöd, Hungary: Hungarian Goulash Soup and Esterházy Cake - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At the Liszt House in Raiding, where the Great Pianist, Romantic Composer and Conductor was Born - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Straka, Rechnitz, Burgenland, with Thomas Straka- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

High-end Sleeping and Eating in the Vineyard: Wohnothek am Ratschen and Restaurant am Ratschen (16/ 20 Gault Millau), Deutsch-Schützen - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Wachter-Wiesler, Burgenland, with Julia Wachter - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Weingut Jalits, Burgenland, with Mathias Jalits - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Neumeister, Straden, Vulkanland, Steiermark, with Christoph Neumeister - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner with a View at Weinrefugium Brolli, Steiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Sattlerhof, Steiermark, with Justė Sattler- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wohlmuth, Steiermark, with Maria Wohlmuth - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Brettljause" and Wine at Buschenschank Trummer, Weingut Trummer, with Jürgen Trummer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Polz, Strass, Südsteiermark, with Sommelier Philipp Heidenbauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Steierisches Backhendl"-Lunch at Weingut Tement/ Restaurant Magnothek, Südsteiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Gustav Mahler, Sinfonie Nr. 3, at Graz Opera, Steiermark - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

In Eisenstadt, Burgenland: Tour at Haydn House, Lunch at Restaurant Henrici, Tour at Esterhazy Castle - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At Loisium Wine & Spa Resort Langenlois, Kamptal: Impromptu Steininger Sekt Reception with Eva Steininger and Klaus Wittauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Heurigenhof Bründlmeyer (14.5/20 Points Gault Millau) - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steininger, Kamptal, with Brigitta Steininger - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Jurtschitsch, Kamptal, with Alwin Jurtschitsch - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Austrian Beer and Wiener Schnitzel at Fiakerwirt in Langenlois - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Markus Huber, Traisental, with Markus Huber- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Tegernseerhof, Wachau, with Owner/ Winemaker Martin Mittelbach- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Domäne Wachau, Dürnstein, Wachau- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting and Dinner at Weingut Nigl, Kremstal, 13.5 Points Gault Millau

Vintage 2011 Tasting with Lucas Pichler, Weingut F.X. Pichler, with Dirk Wuertz at his Koenigsmuehle in Rheinhessen, Austria/Germany

Tour and Tasting at Weingut F.X.Pichler, Wachau, with Lucas Pichler

2 Days in Dürnstein, Wachau, at Hotel Richard Löwenherz

Tasting at Weingut Matthias Hager, Kamptal, with Doris Hager

Lunch at Gasthaus Gutmann, Zöbing, Kamptal

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Gobelsburg, Kamptal, with Stefan Tabery

The other restaurants with 99,50 points are. „Vague d'Or“ in Saint-Tropez, „Guy Savoy“ in Paris, „Le Bernardin“ in New York, „L'Enclume“ in Grange-over-Sands (UK), „Sushi Saito“ in Tokio and „Lung King Heen“ in Hongkong.

Chef Torsten Miche: „Die Auszeichnung ist für uns natürlich Grund zu großer Freude und wir gratulieren allen ausgezeichneten Kollegen ganz herzlich. Unser Dank gilt den vielen Gästen, Kritikern und Journalisten, die mit ihren kontinuierlichen Bewertungen quer durch alle Guides und Medien zu diesem großartgien Ergebnis beigetragen haben“.

Owner Heiner Finkbeiner: „Die Bestnote für die Schwarzwaldstube ist ein echter Mannschaftserfolg und gerade das macht mich besonders glücklich. Gemeinsam setzt die Service- und Küchencrew um Mâitre Nina Mihilli, Sommelier Stéphane Gass und Torsten Michel alles daran, das Erlebnis für unsere Gäste zu zelebrieren“.

La Liste

Bloomberg: La Liste is a relative newcomer on the rankings scene, producing its first list in 2015. The company this year branched into hotel rankings, crowning the Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Italy as the best in the world. Michelin, on the other hand, started awarding stars in 1926 to restaurants listed in its guide, with the aim of facilitating road trips and promoting its tire business. And UK publisher William Reed has been producing its list of the World’s 50 Best restaurants since 2002; more recently it has added best hotels, as well as global and regional best bars lists.

La Liste: Based on the compilation of thousands of publications, hundreds of guidebooks, and millions of online reviews, La Liste offers the world's best restaurant and hotel selection at your fingertips wherever you go. This is done in 5 steps. 1. Reviews of the world's top restaurants and hotels by more than 1,000 guidebooks and trusted publications are put together in a giant database. 2. Each review score is converted into a standard grade, ranging from 0 to 100, according to conversion tables specific to each guidebook. 3. Several thousands of chefs are asked to give their opinions about local guidebooks. According to the results of this poll, each guidebook is given a "trustworthiness index" ranking from 0 (not to be trusted at all) to 10 (very trustworthy). 4. For each listed restaurant and hotel, we calculate the average of all standardised review scores, weighted by each source’s trustworthiness index. 5. Finally, we integrate online customer reviews, giving them a 10% weighting in the final “La Liste score”.

Dinner at the 3-star Michelin Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube at Hotel Traube Tonbach, with Chef Thorsten Michel, Baiersbronn, Germany(2020)

Pictures:  Dinner at the 3-star Michelin Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube at Hotel Traube Tonbach, with Chef Thorsten Michel, Baiersbronn, Germany

In September 2020, shortly before the second corona lockdown in Germany, I had dinner at Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube of the Hotel Traube Tonbach in Baiersbronn, with my wife Annette and two daughters Cornelia and Katharina. Ernst and Viatrix, Cornelia`s children, were also with us, but happily sleeping while we had dinner.

Cornelia, who is stationed with her husband Chris and their 2 children in Libreville, Gabon, had been separated most of 2020 as he had to stay at his duty post and the family had to leave. Cornelia and the kids spent several months in the USA, before moving temporarily to Karlsruhe, where Viatrix attended school.  

Most of the photos are mine. Some photos are from my friend Dirk Eisel who ate there a couple of days after us. 

Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube, Torsten Michel and Harald Wohlfahrt

For the last 30 years, Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube of the Hotel Traube Tonbach in Baiersbronn has been in the group of a dozen or so 3 star Michelin restaurants in Germany. No other restaurant in Germany has been awarded with three Michelin stars as long as Schwarzwaldstube. For most of the time, Chef Harald Wohlfahrt was at the helm of the kitchen team; a few years ago, Torsten Michel took over from him and defended the 3 stars. Harald Wohlfahrt became Executive Chef of Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube in 1980, gained the 3 stars in 1992 and retired in 2017. Torsten Michel joined the team of Harald Wohlfahrt in 2004, was promoted to Sous Chef in 2007 and to Executive Chef in 2017.

Harald Wohlfahrt was the fifth chef to be awarded 3 stars by the Michelin Guide in Germany and  the second German chef  (after Herbert Schönberner) to be thus honoured. The Michelin Guide Deutschland was published for the first time in 1964, without any stars. In the 1966 Michelin Guide Deutschland 66 restaurants were awarded one star. In the 1974 Michelin Guide Deutschland, 7 restaurants received 2 stars. 

In the 1980 Michelin Guide Deutschland, Eckart Witzigmann was the first Chef in Germany to be awarded 3 stars, at his restaurant Auvergine in Munich. In the 1981 Michelin Guide, two chefs were added to the 3 star class: Chef Heinz Winkler of the  Tantris in Munich, where Eckehart Witzigmann used to cook before he opened his own restaurant, and Herbert Schönberger of the Restaurant Goldener Pflug in Köln. In the 1987 Michelin Guide Deutschland, Jean-Claude Bourgeuil of the Restaurant Schiffchen in Düsseldorf was awarded 3 stars. 

In the 1992 Michelin Guide Deutschland, after Eckart Witzigmann, Herbert Schönberner, Heinz Winkler and Jean-Claude Bourgeuil Harald Wohlfahrt was the fifth chef to be awarded this accolade for a restaurant in Germany and the second German chef  (after Herbert Schönberner) to be thus honoured.

Grosses Degustationsmenu

We had dinner at the Schwarzwaldstube 3 years after Chef Thorsten Michel had taken over and defended several times the 3 stars in the Michelin Guide Deutschland. Also, early 2020, part of the Hotel Traube Tonbach was destroyed by a fire, including the Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube. When we ate there, Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube was in a temporary home - in the temporaire, just a few meters from the familiar place.

We all took the Grosses Degustationsmenu for Euro 245. Alternatives were the Kleines Degustationsmenu for Euro 195 and the Vegetarisches Menu for Euro 185. We had 4 bottles of wine. The total came to Euro 1396. 

Sommelier Stéphane Gass and Maître David Breuer 

Sommelier Stéphane Gass and Maître David Breuer and his service team took very good care of us hosting us throughout an unforgettable evening.

Dinner

Aperitif and Amuses Gueules

Zart angebratene Gänseleberscheibe mit Himbeer-Olivenöl-Ravioli und reduzierter Geflügeljüs mit Ingewer

Sankt-Petersfisch in Algenbutter gegart auf gedämpften Brunnenkressespitzen, Austernsauce und Imperialkaviar

Feines vom heimischen Milchkalb mit Steinpilzen, kleinen Zwiebelchen und Kalbskopfsauce mit gehacktem Trüffel 

Käseauswahl von Maître Bernard & Jean-François Antony

Baba "Fleur de Cazette" mit Mirabellen Sorbet und leichter Chantilly von Azélia Schokolade, eingelegten Preiselbeeren und Mirabellen Kalamansicoulis

Heidelbeersorbet mit feiner Opaline, Kräuterlikör-Knusperbonbon und Mousseline von Chartreuse auf Heidelbeerkompott und Tannenharzaroma

Petites Fours

The Wines

Finkbeiner Family (Owner)

Good news for gourmets: our Schwarzwaldstube is coming back. For now in a temporary home - in the temporaire, just a few meters from the familiar place. Here we are creating a place for Torsten Michel, his team and the famous cuisine with the ambience of the temporary.

Traube Tonbach and Schwarzwaldstube – a symbiosis that offers top-class cuisine since decades and achieved new culinary heights under the leadership of chef de cuisine Torsten Michel. No other restaurant in Germany has been awarded with three Michelin stars as long as Schwarzwaldstube. Let yourself be taken away on a special journey that is wonderfully complemented and a congenial wine pairing from sommelier Stéphane Gass. Maître David Breuer and his service team look forward to host you throughout an unforgettable evening.

Pictures: With Chef Thorsten Michel

Schwarzwaldstube, Baiersbronn, Germany (50 Best Restaurants of the World)

Hidden within the fairy-tale landscape of the Black Forest lies a hot bed for culinary talent. Masked by firs and boasting bucolic views, minimalist-luxe Schwarzwalstube – part of Hotel Traube Tonbach – is at its heart. It opened in 1976 and has since led an army of Germany’s top chefs. At the helm is Torsten Michel, whose delicately rich, French cuisine is as spellbinding as the locale. Painstaking attention is given to the likes of Gillardeau oysters with caviar and champagne sauce, braised local deer and lamb royale with a sauce rouennaisse.

Good night

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Summery: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours   

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting Top Virginia Wines in Frankfurt, Germany: Virginia Governor's Cup Case 2017

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Cellar Master Jean Christoph - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

Massive Tasting of Bordeaux 1982 - the Vintage that made Robert Parker a Star, USA/ France

Carl Willner, Christian Schiller and Ken Bensley of the German Wine Society/ Washington DC Chapter (Re-)elected to the National Board, USA, Germany 

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Tasting at the American Wine Society (NoVa Chapter) led by Annette Schiller 

Germany's Weingut Künstler #2 on James Suckling's List of the Top 100 Wines of the World (2022)

"Wein-Oktoberfest" of the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) at the German Embassy in Washington DC, USA 

Christian Schiller: Re-elected to the Board of the "Weinfeder", the Association of German Wine Journalists

The Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024 was released recently, presenting Vinum's choice of Germany’s best 1,000 wine producers and reviewing more than 10,500 wines on 1,080 pages. 

5 out of 5 stars („world class“) was awarded to 20 estates. There are two new ones on the list: Schloss Johannisberg and Rings. Congratualtions!

In addition, there are 32 estates with 4.5 stars, and 76 estates with 4 stars.

Postings

This posting is the second in a series of postings related to the Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024:

Climbers to 5/5 Stars: Weingut Schloss Johannisberg and Weingut Rings Join Group of 5/5 Winemakers in the Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024

Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024 Awards: Dörte + Meike Näkel, Weingut Meyer Näkel (Winemaker of the Year), Andy + Steffen Rings, Weingut Rings (Rising Star of the Year), Martin Prüm, Weingut Martin Prüm (Discovery of the Year)

Best Wines of the Year - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 

Ahr: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Baden:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Franken: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Hessische Bergstrasse: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Mittelrhein: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Mosel: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Nahe:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Pfalz:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Rheingau: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Rheinhessen:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Saale Unstrut: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Sachsen:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Württemberg: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024

Top Winemakers in the Ahr 

In the Ahr region, there is no producer in the 5/5 star group of the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024, 2 producers are in the 4.5/5 star group and 4 in the 4/5 star group. 

Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, and I have met both of the producers in the 4.5/5 winemakers group and one producer of the 4/5 winemakers group at various occasions over the past years, often at their estate during a Germany wine tour by ombiasy WineTours, which is owned and run by Annette Schiller and based in Washington DC, USA.

Ahr

(London Wine Competition)

Located in the valley of the river Ahr (a tributary of the Rhine river), Ahr is one of the smallest of Germany’s 13 wine regions. It is located within the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate and is the world’s northernmost wine region with red wine grape production. The region is known particularly for its Pinot Noir (known in Germany as Spatburgunder) wines, as well as its Portugieser and Riesling wines.

Compared to the Pinot Noir wines of Burgundy, Ahr’s red wines are much paler in color and have a much higher oak-dominated flavor. Until the 1980s, wines from Ahr were lighter in color (almost resembling a Rosé) and were sweeter.

While these Pinot Noir wines might not be as dark and rich-bodied as those from France, they are very much in demand within Germany. This is because Germany has a very limited production of red wine grapes such as Pinot Noir, and there is a high domestic demand for them, leaving little availability for export.

Ahr is unique among German wine regions for its red wine production. In fact, red grape varietals account for 86 percent of all wines produced in Ahr. The region’s unique micro-climate, which is warm and Mediterranean in nature, accounts for the ability of red wine grapes to thrive.

The history of winemaking in Ahr traces back to the ancient Roman period when the narrow Ahr river valley became a place to grow red wine grapes. Despite its northern location, the relatively warm micro-climate encouraged wine production.

Visiting Ahr Producers

Meyer-Näkel (4.5 Stars)

Pictures: Tasting with Alexander Stodden, Weingut Jean Stodden, Ahr. See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Jean Stodden, Ahr, with Alexander Stodden - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Adeneuer (4 stars)

Picture: Annette Schiller and Marc Adeneuer, Weingut Adeneuer. See: Wine Tasting at Weingut J.J. Adeneuer in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Ahr, with Marc Adeneuer - Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Summery: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours   

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting Top Virginia Wines in Frankfurt, Germany: Virginia Governor's Cup Case 2017

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Cellar Master Jean Christoph - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

Massive Tasting of Bordeaux 1982 - the Vintage that made Robert Parker a Star, USA/ France

Carl Willner, Christian Schiller and Ken Bensley of the German Wine Society/ Washington DC Chapter (Re-)elected to the National Board, USA, Germany 

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Tasting at the American Wine Society (NoVa Chapter) led by Annette Schiller 

Germany's Weingut Künstler #2 on James Suckling's List of the Top 100 Wines of the World (2022)

"Wein-Oktoberfest" of the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) at the German Embassy in Washington DC, USA 

Christian Schiller: Re-elected to the Board of the "Weinfeder", the Association of German Wine Journalists

From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, July 02 - Thursday, July 13, 2023. The tour started in Lyon and ended in Paris. 

Following:

Champagne Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Chez Bellou in Gyé-sur-Seine, Champagne- From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

we visited Champagne Jean Josselin in Gyé-sur-Seine. We first went over to the modern production facilities of Champagne Jean Josselin, then to the old cellar and finally to the tasting room for a tasting of the portfolio. Owner Jean Pierre Josselin and Export Manager Sharona Tsubota were our hosts.

Champagne Jean Josselin in Gyé-sur-Seine, Côte des Bar, Champagne

The Josselin family has been growing grapes since 1854 in Gyé-sur-Seine in the Côte des Bar, located 150 km south of Epernay and 200 km south of Reims and crossed by two rivers: the Seine and the Aube.

The Côte des Bar became part of the official Champagne region in the early 1900s. 

In 1957 Jean Josselin decided to create his own brand: ‘Champagne Jean Josselin’. Champagne Jean Josselin is a typical so called ‘grower Champagne’. The entire operation is managed by the family. Jean Pierre Josselin and son Jean Félix tend to the vines and take care of the vinification and Veronique Josselin does sales and marketing. They hired an American Sharona Tsubota to get into the American market. The Champagne house Jean Josselin produces about 100,000 bottles per year depending on the vintage. 

We got a fabulous introduction to the steps it takes to produce a top-notch Champagne.

In the New Cellar with Jean Josselin

In the Old Cellar

Tasting

From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (Released and Forthcoming Postings)

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Announcement: Burgundy and Champagne 2023: 12-day Total Immersion - From Lyon to Paris by ombiasy WineTours 

Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris - Wine, Food, Culture and History, France 

David Miller: From Lyon to Paris, Burgundy and Champagne Tour by ombiasy WineTours, July 02 - Thursday, July 13, 2023

Summary: From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Dinner at Restaurant Le Grand Café des Négociants and Walking Tour in Lyon - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Chermette in Saint-Vérand, Beaujolais, with Martine and Jean-Etienne Chermette - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château de Jacques, in Romanèche-Thorins, Beaujolais, with Genevieve Bonifacio, Responsable Commerciale - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Château de Pizay in Belleville-en-Beaujolais - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

In the Most Prestigious AOC in the Mâconnais: Pouilly-Fuissé, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Ferret in Fuissé, Poully-Fuissé, Mâconnais, with the Outgoing DG/ Winemaker Audrey Braccini and Incoming DG/ Winemaker Clément Robinet - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Domaine Céline & Laurent Tripoz, Mâconnais, with Céline & Laurent Tripoz - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Menand in Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, with Fabienne Menand - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Beaune, Bourgogne

Dinner at Restaurant La Table du Square in Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Walk in the Vineyard, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Jessiaume in Santenay, Côte de Beaune, with DG/ Winemaker William Waterkeyn - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Vineyards Walk around Meursault with Karoline Knoth, Author of "Castles and Châteaux in Meursault" - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant L’Agastache in Volnay, with Caroline (Service) and Nunzio Iacono (Kitchen), Michelin and Gault Millau Listed - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour of Château de Rully by Owner Count Raoul de Ternay, with Tasting of Domaine Rully Wines - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Le Relais de Saulx in Beaune, with the Couple Charles Danet, Chef, and Agnès Peyre, Service, 12/ 20 Points Gault Millau - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At Maison Olivier Leflaive in Puligny Montrachet: Vineyard Walk and a Talk with Olivier Leflaive - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at La Table d’Olivier with Icon Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Château de Pommard in Pommard, Côte de Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-George, Côte de Nuits - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch and Wine Tasting with Sommelier Emmanuel Thibout at Restaurant Le Vintage, Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Louis Jadot in Beaune with Thibaud Marquis, US Representative of Louis Jadot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Bus Tour Through the Vineyards of Vosne-Romanée, Côte de Nuits, with Melissa Rion and Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Rion, Vosne-Romanée - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at Domaine Trapet, Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Ancient Cellars and Tasting at Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine and Music at "De Bach à Bacchus Festival de Meursault", with Karoline Knoth - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Hospices de Beaune and its Wines, Guided Tour - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Au Creux de Vougeot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of Château du Clos de Vougeot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars and other Wine Venues in Chablis, France

Dinner at Restaurant Hostellerie des Clos in Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting from Tank, Barrel and Bottle at Domaine Servin in Chablis, with Marc Cameron and François Servin - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour at Fontenay Abbey (Bernard de Clairveau), Montbard - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Champagne– An Introduction, France

French Champagne Houses and German Roots

Champagne Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Chez Bellou in Gyé-sur-Seine, Champagne- From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Champagne Jean Josselin in Gyé-sur-Seine, Côte des Bar, Champagne, with Jean Pierre Josselin and Export Manager Sharona Tsubota - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of l'Avenue de Champagne in Epernay - Bourgogne (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours 

Hanging out at the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, Champagne

Tasting at Champagne Maison Gamet in Mardeuil, Vallée de la Marne, with Philippe, Fabienne and Marianne Gamet

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Champagne Alfred Gratien in Èpernay

French/ Thai Fusion Dinner at Restaurant Cook’In in Épernay (Bib Gourmant Michelin), with Chef Guillaume and Uma (Service).

The American Wine Society 2023 National Conference was held November 9-11, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency at The Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.  

4 Tastings

Annette Schiller, President of ombiasy WineTours and member of the American Wine Society, led 3 wine tastings at the 2023 National Conference of the American Wine Society: 

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast

Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot (jointly with Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot)

A Journey Through The Loire Valley 

In addition, Annette and I had a table with German wines at the "Showcase of Wine" evening.

Also, during the whole conference, Annette and I had an ombiasy WineTours booth promoting Annette's wine tours to Germany, France and Austria.

American Wine Society 2023 National Conference

More than 400 members from all over the USA came to this 3-day event, filled with tastings, seminars and presentations.

Thursday was the day of wine judging. There were full-day courses for those who want to become a certified AWS Wine Judge. This is a 3-year program. Also, the Amateur and Commercial Wine Competitions continued on Thursday, starting earlier in the week.

Friday and Saturday was filled with about 50 wine seminars, led by winery owners, wine educators, and renowned winemakers. The breakfasts, lunches, dinners and after-dinner gatherings provided ample opportunities to network with other AWS members.

All of the pictures in this posting are mine.   

Postings on schiller-wine

This is the third in a series of postings related to the American Wine Society National Conference 2023 St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA:

The 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot, with Annette Schiller

German Wines at the American Wine Society: Tasting Premium German Wines from the Veritable/ USA Portfolio at the Showcase of Wines of the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA with Annette and Christian Schiller

Private Tasting of Premium Wines (mainly Bordeaux and California) at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA with President Bill Stefan 

American Wine Society Merit Award for Joel Peterson, the Godfather of Zinfandel and Founder of Ravenswood Winery - 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

McLean (Virginia) - Springfield (Ohio) - St. Louis (Missouri) - Memphis (Tennessee) - Nashville (Tennessee) - McLean (Virginia): On the Road to and from the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference

An Evening on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll - Going back to Virginia after the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

An Evening in the Honky-Tonks of Nashville, Tennessee - Going back to Virginia after the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

The American Wine Society

The American Wine Society was founded in 1967 as a non-profit, educational, consumer-oriented organization for those interested in learning more about all aspects of wine. On October 7, 1967, around 200 grape growers, home winemakers, and wine lovers gathered at Dr. Konstantin Frank’s vineyard on Keuka Lake near Hammondsport, NY for the AWS’ initial meeting.

In December of the same year, the thirteen charter members, led by Founder Dr. Konstantin Frank, met to determine the organization structure of AWS and elect officers. Now in its 49th year, the American Wine Society is the largest consumer based wine education organization in North America. Membership is open to anyone interested in wine and over 21 years of age.

Going Back Home via Memphis, Tennessee

Following the conference, we spent 3 days on the road, with stops in Memphis, Tennessee and Nashville, Tennessee.

visittheUSA.com: Memphis, located in the southwestern corner of Tennessee, sits atop a bluff just across the Mississippi River from Arkansas and a few kilometers away from the Mississippi state line. Like most places in the Mississippi Delta, it's brimming with authentic Southern charm and hospitality, but with a bold Memphis edge.

Memphis is where blues music grew up, where rock ‘n’ roll was born and where important strides were made in the struggle for civil rights, set to the beat of the city's soul music explosion. This living history hits visitors right away during a stroll through Graceland, Elvis Presley’s final home, or on a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the site where Martin Luther King Jr. lost his life.

Drinks at the Peabody Memphis Hotel

Beale Street - Home of the Blues and Birthplace of Rock N Roll

visittheUSA.com: And then there’s the neon-lit Beale Street, where greats like W.C. Handy and B.B. King performed and helped perpetuate the music style known as Memphis Blues. In 1977, the U.S. Congress officially recognized Beale Street as “Home of the Blues.” For a quintessential dose of Beale Street, head to Rum Boogie or B.B. King’s Blues Club. Like most attractions that draw folks to Memphis, the Blues reflect the soulfulness and grit that's so deeply rooted in the city’s history. Music buffs will also want to visit the Memphis Rock n’ Soul Museum (curated by The Smithsonian Institution), Sun Studio, where Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash got their start and Stax Museum of American Soul Music, which sits on the site of the original Stax recording studio where greats like Booker T and the MGs and Otis Redding recorded their music.

Dinner at Blues City Cafe: Memphis-style Rack of Ribs and Seafood Gumbo

Memphis-style barbecue is one of the four predominant regional styles of barbecue in the USA, the other three being Carolina, Kansas City and Texas. Memphis-style barbecue is slow cooked in a pit and ribs can be prepared either "dry" or "wet". "Dry" ribs are covered with a dry rub consisting of salt and various spices before cooking and are normally eaten without sauce. "Wet" ribs are brushed with sauce before, during, and after cooking.

Big Band Jazz at Alfred's on Beale

Alfred's:  Great food & live music in the heart of famous Beale Street. Southern food with daily meat-and-three blue plate specials, a large selection of home-cooked vegetables, along with a full dinner menu of steaks, seafood, pasta, BBQ and more. Alfred's is famous for great music of every style, including the Memphis Jazz Orchestra, featured every Sunday night, and the largest collection of gold records on display anywhere.

BB King Blues Club and Jerry Lee Lewis Club

Breakfast at Arcade Restaurant, Elvis' Favorite Hang-out

Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King was Shot Dead

civilrightsmuseum.org: The Lorraine Motel was forever etched in America’s collective memory with the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968, but even before that fateful day, the property at 450 Mulberry Street had a fascinating history in its own right. Before it was the Lorraine, it was the Marquette Hotel that catered to black clientele in segregated Memphis. Then, in 1945 black businessman Walter Bailey purchased the hotel, which he re-christened the Lorraine after his wife Loree and the popular jazz song, “Sweet Lorraine.” The motel became a destination for blacks and appeared in the Negro Motorists Green Book or “Green Guide,” which identified establishments that welcomed black travelers when Jim Crow restrictions offered limited options for services and lodging.

The Lorraine was the preferred stop for many blacks who came to Memphis. Its guestbook was a veritable who’s who of black celebrities in the forties, fifties, and sixties. Entertainers like Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughn, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, and Otis Redding were all guests at the motel, and two famous songs, Wilson Pickett’s “The Midnight Hour” and Eddie Floyd’s “Knock on Wood,” were both composed at the Lorraine. 

Negro League baseball greats like Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson and Jackie Robinson stayed at the Lorraine when they were in Memphis. It was also preferred by important figures in the black business and political communities. Martin Luther King, Jr. stayed there on his trips to Memphis.

The Lorraine Motel reflected the monumental changes experienced by blacks in postwar America well before that moment in 1968 outside room 306 cemented the building’s place in American history.

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State

The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Annette Schiller`s 3 Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey: Sparkling Wines, Austria, Bordeaux

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2018 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in in Buffalo, New York State

The 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, with Annette and Christian Schiller

"Abbey Wines”: The Importance of the Monasteries for the Development of Viticulture - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Burgundy Pinot Noir and German Pinot Noir: Differences and Similarities - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA, led by Annette Schiller

A Journey through the Rhône Valley - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2017 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania

The 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Showcase of Wines at the 2017 National Conference of the American Wine Society: Annette and Christian Schiller Present German/ VDP/ Loosen Bros. USA Wines

A Journey through the Vineyards of Alsace - A Tasting Seminar at the National Conference 2017 of the American Wine Society, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Burgundy: What makes it so Special? - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

German Wines in the 21st Century - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2016 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in California

The 2016 American Wine Society National Conference in California, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

The New Germany: Red, Sparkling and Dry - Tasting at the American Wine Society 2016 National Conference in Los Angeles, USA, led by Annette Schiller

The New Classification of German Wines: The VDP Classification - Annette Schiller Conducting a Seminar at the 2016 National Convention of the American Wine Society in Los Angeles, USA

The Insider’s View of Charles Krug Winery - Peter Mondavi Jr., Co-Proprietor, Charles Krug Winery

Château Climens, Premier Cru Barsac and Savory Dishes…who knew? - Bérénice Lurton, Owner of Château Climens and Tony Lawrence, Global Food & Wine Pairing Specialist

Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, May 28 - Thursday, June 08, 2023. We toured Austria for 12 days, starting and ending in Vienna: Wien, Wagram, Carnuntum, Burgenland, Steiermark, Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental, Wien.

Following:

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Tegernseerhof, Wachau, with Owner/ Winemaker Martin Mittelbach- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Domäne Wachau, Dürnstein, Wachau- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

we went to Nigl: Weingut-Hotel-Restaurant. 

The event had two parts. First, a seated tasting at Weingut Nigl with Martin Nigl; second, a wine-pairing dinner at Restaurant Nigl with Nigl wines. Restaurant Nigl is rated in the Gault Millau at 14/ 20 points. Bertram Nigl, son of Martin Nigl, is the Chef. 

Weingut Nigl wines are widely available in the USA, imported by Skurnik Wines.

Weingut Nigl, Senftenberg, Kremstal, Niederösterreich

The Nigl family has been cultivating vines in and around the town of Senftenberg for two centuries and sold the grapes to the local co-op. It was in 1985 that Martin Nigl persuaded his family to hold back some portions of grapes so that they could make their own wine. Since then, the winery has developed into a 75-acres, highly regarded sustainably farmed wine estate. Martin Jr. recently joined his father and they are now working side by side in the vines and cellar. 

The Nigl winery is beautifully situated at the foot of the castle ruins of the Burgruine Senftenberg. The most important vineyards on the slopes of the Senftenberg are called Pellingen, planted with Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, and Hochäcker, planted with Riesling. 

Nigl’s fantasy name ‘Freiheit’ for this Grüner Veltliner comes with a story: The word means ‘freedom’ in English and is an homage to the history behind the centralized area from where he sources the grapes. This vineyard land is considered to be the first ever in Kremstal owned by private citizens. Prior to this, all vines were controlled by nobility and/or the Church.

The geology of the soils are much more similar to the famous sites in the Wachau region. However there is an important climatic difference in the two regions. Due to the influence of the forested mountains, the Senftenberg vineyards have much cooler nights than the Wachau and therefore larger diurnal swings in temperature, which call for a longer ripening season contributing spiciness and depth to the wines. 

The German-British wine critic Stuart Pigott says of Martin Nigl's wines: From the smallest wine to the ultimate pinnacles, Nigl's white wines are crystal clear and extremely precise in aroma and taste. Here, almost indecent charm and great elegance are united; simply brilliant!

Nigl (25ha) - Skurnik Wines
Priel / Kremstal / Austria

Weingut Nigl, tucked deep in the Krems Valley on the edge of the Senftenberg mountain, often evokes feelings that one has traveled back to medieval times; the wines Martin Nigl creates are as ethereal as the vine lands that they come from. Martin Nigl is a first-generation winemaker, beginning in 1985 after convincing his family to keep the fruit from their small quantity of vines and bottle it themselves rather than selling it to the local co-op. The history with grape-growing is not nearly as recent though; the Nigl family has been farming here for over 200 years. Martin Jr. recently joined his father at the domaine and they are now working side by side in the vines and cellar.

The ruins of the Senftenberg castle, erected in 1197, are perched above the terraced vineyards Höchacker, Pellingen, Piri, and Kirchenberg. These terroirs of primary rock, or ‘gneiss,’ planted to Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, have much more in common with the Wachau than with the rest of the Kremstal. In fact, the border between the Wachau, to the west is political, and the geology is much more similar to the famous sites in that region. There is an important climactic difference in the two regions. Due to the influence of the forested mountains, Senftenberg experiences cooler nights than the Wachau and therefore larger diurnal swings in temperature, drawing out the ripening season and contributing spiciness and depth to the wines.

The collection of vineyards on the terraces of Senftenberg’s southwest facing slope is outstanding: Höchacker on the top terraces, Pellingen directly below, the Piri, and 4 small terraces called the Kirchenberg next to the winery. Nigl also has vineyards in the village of Krems, mostly planted to Grüner Veltliner including some very old vines, 75 years in age, planted on loess soils that contribute more opulent fruit and a creamier texture.

Martin practices sustainable farming, never using herbicides or insecticides, plants cover crops of legumes and herbs, and avoids copper, a mainstay in the biodynamic arsenal, but which he considers detrimental to his vines’ vitality, and harmful to the soil.

In the cellar, Nigl works almost exclusively in stainless steel, never de-stems, uses only ambient yeasts, settles musts by gravity only, racks twice, and never fines before bottling. The resulting wines are some of the most crystalline, transcendent bottlings in the portfolio.

• Vineyard Area: 25 hectares
• Top Sites:
  • Senftenberger Piri: South facing mica-schist, planted to both Grüner Veltliner and Riesling
  • Senftenberger Hochäcker: Separated from the Pelligren vineyard by only a wall. Soils are mica-schist.
  • Senftenberger Pelligren: Bedrock of mica-schist with 35-45 year old vines
  • Rehberger Goldberg: Amphibolite soils (metamorphic rock) planted to Riesling
• Soil Types: Mica-schist, amphibolite, slate and loess
• Grape Varieties: 40% Riesling, 40% Grüner Veltliner, 4% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Weissburgunder, 10% Chardonnay, 2% Other varieties

Historisch gewachsen und ländlich charmant präsentiert sich das elegante Restaurant und Weingut Nigl im Kremstal. In der gemütlichen Gaststube und im idyllischen Gastgarten am Fuße der Ruine Senftenberg, servieren wir Ihnen beliebte Klassiker, frisch gekocht vom Küchenchef Bertram Nigl. Wir präsentieren in unserem Restaurant Weine aus dem Kremstal, vom Grünem Veltliner über Riesling bis hin zum Blauen Zweigelt.

Umringt von Weingärten und historischen Mauern fühlt man sich in unserem Gutshof besonders wohl. Hier finden Gäste den passenden Rahmen für ein gediegenes Abendessen, unvergessliche Familienfeste, erfolgreiche Firmenfeiern, romantische Hochzeiten oder gemütliche Sonntagnachmittage. In unseren Räumlichkeiten haben wir Platz für Gruppen bis zu 40 Personen. An schönen Tagen bietet sich der ruhige Gastgarten mit dem wunderbaren Blick zur Ruine zum Verweilen an.

Gerne können Sie sich bei einer Verkostung bei uns am Weingut in Senftenberg von der Qualität unserer Weine selbst ein Bild machen. Sollten Sie Interesse an reiferen Jahrgängen aus dem Kremstal haben, so hält die neu eingerichtete Vinothek besondere Weine für Sie bereit.

Bertram Nigl Cooks - Weingut Nigl

We will let you in on a secret: the secret of good taste. Bertram Nigl is known for his finely balanced dishes and delicious food. Instead of the vineyards, he moved into the kitchen of our restaurant. But the high demands and conscious handling of the products are the same. As head chef Bertram likes to try new dishes and adapt traditional classics with refined ingredients. On this page, he reveals some of his favourite recipes and wishes you success in trying them at home!

Restaurant Nigl - Gault Millau 14/20

Alles neu beim Nigl! Das teilweise neu gestaltete Restaurant und der attraktive neue Terrassen-Garten sind ansprechende Wohlfühlgaranten mit reizendem Ambiente. Mit regionaltypischem Sauerteigbrot, Aufstrich, Schinkenspeck und gesalzener Butter beginnt ein genüsslicher Besuch. Aus der saisonalen wie regionalen Karte mit zwei Menüs empfiehlt der freundliche Service fein-exotischen, feurigen Couscous-Salat mit grünen Bohnen, Ras el Hanout, Salzzitrone und Salatherzen sowie hausgemachte (und ausgezeichnete) Bärlauchravioli mit wachsweichem Eigelb, Spargel, Kerbel und Tomate. Auch der knusprig gebratene Zander mit würzigem Spitzkraut, Paprika und griechischem Joghurt sorgt für wohligen Genuss. Gelungen auch das Butterschnitzel vom heimischen Reh mit Shiitake-Pilzen und Erdäpfelpüree. Großes Vergnügen bereitet das gebackene Kokoseis mit dunkler Schokolade und gegrillter Ananas. Und der Wein? Da kann man beim Nigl aus dem Vollen schöpfen. Keinen hauseigenen Wein zu trinken, käme hier einer Sünde gleich.

Arriving

Tasting with Martin Nigl

Dinner at Restaurant Nigl

Bye-bye

Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - Published and Forthcoming Postings

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Announcement: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023 

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

Wine Producer Austria - Not Only Gruener Veltliner

Summary: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Spots to Drink Wine in Vienna, Austria

Dinner at an Iconic Beisl in Vienna: Griechenbeisl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Monastery/ Palace Klosterneuburg and of the Weingut Klosterneuburg, with Wine Tasting - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz at Plachutta in der Wollzeile, Vienna. Plachutta is more than a Restaurant: it is a Vienna Institution - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

After Dinner Drinks at Vis-a-Vis Wine Bar, Vienna - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vienna: Viaker City Tour and Tour of Schloss Schönbrunn - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Die Seejungfrau in Jois at Lake Neusiedl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Leo Hillinger, Burgenland, with Jakob Scharner, Diplom-Sommelier - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Netzl, Carnuntum, with Franz, Christine and Christina Netzl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Mole West at Lake Neusiedl- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Anita and Hans Nittnaus, Burgenland, with Anita, Hans and Martin Nittnaus - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Umathum, Burgenland, with Joseph Umathum - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

2 Nights at Schloss Halbturn at Lake Neusiedl: Sekt Reception and two Dinners - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steindorfer, Burgenland, with Ernst and Roland Steindorfer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Light Lunch at Gránátos Étterem at Esterházy Kástely in Fertöd, Hungary: Hungarian Goulash Soup and Esterházy Cake - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At the Liszt House in Raiding, where the Great Pianist, Romantic Composer and Conductor was Born - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Straka, Rechnitz, Burgenland, with Thomas Straka- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

High-end Sleeping and Eating in the Vineyard: Wohnothek am Ratschen and Restaurant am Ratschen (16/ 20 Gault Millau), Deutsch-Schützen - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Wachter-Wiesler, Burgenland, with Julia Wachter - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Weingut Jalits, Burgenland, with Mathias Jalits - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Neumeister, Straden, Vulkanland, Steiermark, with Christoph Neumeister - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner with a View at Weinrefugium Brolli, Steiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Sattlerhof, Steiermark, with Justė Sattler- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wohlmuth, Steiermark, with Maria Wohlmuth - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Brettljause" and Wine at Buschenschank Trummer, Weingut Trummer, with Jürgen Trummer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Polz, Strass, Südsteiermark, with Sommelier Philipp Heidenbauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Steierisches Backhendl"-Lunch at Weingut Tement/ Restaurant Magnothek, Südsteiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Gustav Mahler, Sinfonie Nr. 3, at Graz Opera, Steiermark - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

In Eisenstadt, Burgenland: Tour at Haydn House, Lunch at Restaurant Henrici, Tour at Esterhazy Castle - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At Loisium Wine & Spa Resort Langenlois, Kamptal: Impromptu Steininger Sekt Reception with Eva Steininger and Klaus Wittauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Heurigenhof Bründlmeyer (14.5/20 Points Gault Millau) - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steininger, Kamptal, with Brigitta Steininger - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Jurtschitsch, Kamptal, with Alwin Jurtschitsch - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Austrian Beer and Wiener Schnitzel at Fiakerwirt in Langenlois - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Markus Huber, Traisental, with Markus Huber- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Tegernseerhof, Wachau, with Owner/ Winemaker Martin Mittelbach- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Domäne Wachau, Dürnstein, Wachau- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Nigl with Martin Nigl and Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant Nigl (14/20 Points Gault Millau) with Chef Bertram Nigl, Senftenberg, Kremstal - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vintage 2011 Tasting with Lucas Pichler, Weingut F.X. Pichler, with Dirk Wuertz at his Koenigsmuehle in Rheinhessen, Austria/Germany

Tour and Tasting at Weingut F.X.Pichler, Wachau, with Lucas Pichler

Tasting at Weingut Matthias Hager, Kamptal, with Doris Hager

Lunch at Gasthaus Gutmann, Zöbing, Kamptal

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Gobelsburg, Kamptal, with Stefan Tabery

2 Days in Dürnstein, Wachau, at Hotel Richard Löwenherz

The Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024 was released recently, presenting Vinum's choice of Germany’s best 1,000 wine producers and reviewing more than 10,500 wines on 1,080 pages. 

5 out of 5 stars („world class“) was awarded to 20 estates. There are two new ones on the list: Schloss Johannisberg and Rings. Congratualtions!

In addition, there are 32 estates with 4.5 stars, and 76 estates with 4 stars.

Postings

This posting is the fourth in a series of postings related to the Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024:

Climbers to 5/5 Stars: Weingut Schloss Johannisberg and Weingut Rings Join Group of 5/5 Winemakers in the Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024

Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024 Awards: Dörte + Meike Näkel, Weingut Meyer Näkel (Winemaker of the Year), Andy + Steffen Rings, Weingut Rings (Rising Star of the Year), Martin Prüm, Weingut Martin Prüm (Discovery of the Year)

Best Wines of the Year - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 

Ahr: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Baden:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Franken: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Hessische Bergstrasse: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Mittelrhein: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Mosel: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Nahe:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Pfalz:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Rheingau: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Rheinhessen:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Saale Unstrut: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Sachsen:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Württemberg: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024

Baden

London Wine Competition

The historic region of Baden in southwestern Germany is the third-largest wine region in the country. It is also the longest wine region in Germany, stretching nearly 400 kilometers (250 miles) from the north of the country all the way to Lake Constance in the south. The Baden wine region is known particularly for its Pinot (including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc) wines. Wines from Baden are known to be full-bodied and higher in alcohol content than wines from other regions in Germany. 

Unlike other German wine regions, Riesling accounts for only a relatively small share (7.3%) of all wine production. Pinot Noir is the most popular (36.8%), followed by Pinot Gris (10.5%) and Pinot Blanc (7.3%). Baden is also almost the only German wine region where Gutedel (Chasselas) wines are produced, accounting for 97% of the nation’s total production. Overall, wine production is split nearly evenly between red (44%) and white (56%) wines. 

Geographically, Baden is located across the Rhine river from the French region of Alsace. Due to a climatic effect is known as the “Rhine rift,” Baden is actually one of Germany’s warmest locations, which is why warm weather grape varietals do better here than elsewhere in the country. The Baden wine region is protected, to a large degree, by the Black Forest and Vosges mountains on one side and the Rhine on the other. 

The best-known wine area of Baden is Kaiserstuhl, which has terraced vineyards and hills of volcanic origin, creating a very unique terroir. While Baden is part of the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, for purposes of German wine classification, Baden and Württemberg are separate wine regions.

Baden: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

In the Baden region, there is one producer in the 5/5 star group of the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 and there are three producers in the 4.5/5 star group.  

Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, and I have not yet met Fritz Wassmer but the three other listed producers at various occasions over the past years, often at their estate during a Germany wine tour by ombiasy WineTours, which is owned and run by Annette Schiller and based in Washington DC, USA.

Dr. Heger/ 4.5 Stars

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Pictures: Tasting and Weingut Dr. Heger and Christian Schiller and Joachim Heger. See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dr. Heger in Ihringen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015) 

Martin Wassmer/ 4.5 Stars

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Summery: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours   

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting Top Virginia Wines in Frankfurt, Germany: Virginia Governor's Cup Case 2017

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Cellar Master Jean Christoph - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

Massive Tasting of Bordeaux 1982 - the Vintage that made Robert Parker a Star, USA/ France

Carl Willner, Christian Schiller and Ken Bensley of the German Wine Society/ Washington DC Chapter (Re-)elected to the National Board, USA, Germany 

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Tasting at the American Wine Society (NoVa Chapter) led by Annette Schiller 

Germany's Weingut Künstler #2 on James Suckling's List of the Top 100 Wines of the World (2022)

"Wein-Oktoberfest" of the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) at the German Embassy in Washington DC, USA 

Christian Schiller: Re-elected to the Board of the "Weinfeder", the Association of German Wine Journalists

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The American Wine Society 2023 National Conference was held November 9-11, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency at The Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.  

4 Tastings

Annette Schiller, President of ombiasy WineTours and member of the American Wine Society, led 3 wine tastings at the 2023 National Conference of the American Wine Society: 

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast

Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot (jointly with Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot)

A Journey Through The Loire Valley 

In addition, Annette and I had a table with German wines at the "Showcase of Wine" evening.

Also, during the whole conference, Annette and I had an ombiasy WineTours booth promoting Annette's wine tours to Germany, France and Austria.

American Wine Society 2023 National Conference

More than 400 members from all over the USA came to this 3-day event, filled with tastings, seminars and presentations.

Thursday was the day of wine judging. There were full-day courses for those who want to become a certified AWS Wine Judge. This is a 3-year program. Also, the Amateur and Commercial Wine Competitions continued on Thursday, starting earlier in the week.

Friday and Saturday was filled with about 50 wine seminars, led by winery owners, wine educators, and renowned winemakers. The breakfasts, lunches, dinners and after-dinner gatherings provided ample opportunities to network with other AWS members.

All of the pictures in this posting are mine.    

Postings on schiller-wine

This is the fifth in a series of postings related to the American Wine Society National Conference 2023 St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA:

Announcement: 56th American Wine Society National Conference, November 9-11, 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, with 3 Presentations by Annette Schiller: (1) Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger (2) Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot (3) A Journey Through The Loire Valley

The 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot, with Annette Schiller

German Wines at the American Wine Society: Tasting Premium German Wines from the Veritable/ USA Portfolio at the Showcase of Wines of the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA with Annette and Christian Schiller

Private Tasting of Premium Wines (mainly Bordeaux and California) at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA with President Bill Stefan 

American Wine Society Merit Award for Joel Peterson, the Godfather of Zinfandel and Founder of Ravenswood Winery - 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

McLean (Virginia) - Springfield (Ohio) - St. Louis (Missouri) - Memphis (Tennessee) - Nashville (Tennessee) - McLean (Virginia): On the Road to and from the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference

An Evening on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll - Going back to Virginia after the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

An Evening in the Honky-Tonks of Nashville, Tennessee - Going back to Virginia after the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

The American Wine Society

The American Wine Society was founded in 1967 as a non-profit, educational, consumer-oriented organization for those interested in learning more about all aspects of wine. On October 7, 1967, around 200 grape growers, home winemakers, and wine lovers gathered at Dr. Konstantin Frank’s vineyard on Keuka Lake near Hammondsport, NY for the AWS’ initial meeting.

In December of the same year, the thirteen charter members, led by Founder Dr. Konstantin Frank, met to determine the organization structure of AWS and elect officers. Now in its 49th year, the American Wine Society is the largest consumer based wine education organization in North America. Membership is open to anyone interested in wine and over 21 years of age.

Tasting Premium German Wines from the Veritable/ USA Portfolio at the Showcase of Wines of the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA with Annette and Christian Schiller

The Showcase of Wine is the Friday evening event of the AWS National Convention. This year, there were about 30 tables with wines from all over the world, including the godfather of Zinfandel, Joel Peterson, pouring his Once&Future wines. 

Annette and I presented 7 German wines, sponsored by Veritable Wines & Estates (USA), a a brand-new US importer of German wines.

Veritable Wines and Estates is owned by Christian Ress (and partners), the fifth-generation owner of Weingut Balthasar Ress, Hattenheim, a German elite estate. Julia Wolf, Veritable Wines & Estates, Export Manager, based in Hattenheim, is the "CEO" of Veritable Wines & Estates (USA). Jesse Becker, based in Chicago, is the US representative of Veritable Wines & Estates. Jesse Becker is a certified Master Sommelier. He is also one of the about 20 new (class of 2023) "German Wine Professional" (a 2-year course organized by the German Wine Institute in Mainz/ Germany).

Picture: Intimite Wine Dinner at Winelair Washington, D.C., with WineLAIR Owner Fred Ellemann and his Family, Christian Ress of Weingut Balthasar Ress in the Rheingau and "Father" of the International WineBANK/ WineLAIR Network and WineLAIR General Manager and Chef Jonathan Krinn, formerly Clarity Restaurant and 2941 Restaurant, Washington D.C./ USA/ Germany 

The very first US event of Veritable Wines & Estates took place a few months ago in Washington DC: First Ever Tasting in the USA: German Wines of Veritable Wines & Estates at wineLAIR DC, with Julia Wolf, Export Manager, and Jesse Becker, US Representative, Washington DC, USA (2023)

 

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The Wines

Red

Weingut Burg Ravensburg 2020 Sulzfelder Lerchenberg Blaufränkisch Erste Lage Baden

Weingut Heitlinger 2017 Pinot Meunier Reserve Baden

Picture:Winemaker Dinner at Hotel Erbprinz in Ettlingen, with Claus Burmeister, Weingut Heitlinger and Weingut Burg Ravensburg, Baden, Germany 

Weingut Thörle 2020 Spätburgunder Rheinhessen

Pictures: Visiting #worldclass Producers Christoph and Johannes Thoerle of Weingut Thoerle in Rheinhessen/ Germany (2023)

White

Weingut Balthasar Ress 2022 Riesling Trocken Rheingau

Pictures: 2015 Harvest at Weingut Balthasar Ress. See:At Weingut Balthasar Ress in Hattenheim, Rheingau, during the 2015 Harvest with Winemaker Dirk Würtz, Germany 

 Picture: Christian Schiller with Christian Ress in Berlin in 2010. See: Germany's Grosses Gewaechs Wines - Premiere 2010 in Berlin  

Weingut Ravensburg 2022 Riesling Trocken Baden

Weingut Schwedhelm 2022 Zellertaler Scheurebe Pfalz

Weingut Korell 2022 Von den Ersten Lagen Nahe

The Food

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State

The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Annette Schiller`s 3 Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey: Sparkling Wines, Austria, Bordeaux

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2018 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in in Buffalo, New York State

The 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, with Annette and Christian Schiller

"Abbey Wines”: The Importance of the Monasteries for the Development of Viticulture - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Burgundy Pinot Noir and German Pinot Noir: Differences and Similarities - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA, led by Annette Schiller

A Journey through the Rhône Valley - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2017 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania

The 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Showcase of Wines at the 2017 National Conference of the American Wine Society: Annette and Christian Schiller Present German/ VDP/ Loosen Bros. USA Wines

A Journey through the Vineyards of Alsace - A Tasting Seminar at the National Conference 2017 of the American Wine Society, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Burgundy: What makes it so Special? - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

German Wines in the 21st Century - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2016 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in California

The 2016 American Wine Society National Conference in California, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

The New Germany: Red, Sparkling and Dry - Tasting at the American Wine Society 2016 National Conference in Los Angeles, USA, led by Annette Schiller

The New Classification of German Wines: The VDP Classification - Annette Schiller Conducting a Seminar at the 2016 National Convention of the American Wine Society in Los Angeles, USA

The Insider’s View of Charles Krug Winery - Peter Mondavi Jr., Co-Proprietor, Charles Krug Winery

Château Climens, Premier Cru Barsac and Savory Dishes…who knew? - Bérénice Lurton, Owner of Château Climens and Tony Lawrence, Global Food & Wine Pairing Specialist

From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, July 02 - Thursday, July 13, 2023. The tour started in Lyon and ended in Paris. 

Following:

Champagne Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Chez Bellou in Gyé-sur-Seine, Champagne - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Champagne Jean Josselin in Gyé-sur-Seine, Côte des Bar, Champagne, with Jean Pierre Josselin and Export Manager Sharona Tsubota- From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

we arrived in the late afternoon at Hotel Jean Moët, a 5 star exquisite boutique hotel in Èpernay, just around the corner of l'Avenue de Champagne.

Before dinner, some of us went on a tour of l'Avenue de Champagne and had a Champagne tasting there. Its name derives from the presence of many leading Champagne producers such as Moët et Chandon, Mercier and others.

From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours (Released and Forthcoming Postings)

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Announcement: Burgundy and Champagne 2023: 12-day Total Immersion - From Lyon to Paris by ombiasy WineTours 

Burgundy (and Champagne) Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: From Lyon to Paris - Wine, Food, Culture and History, France 

David Miller: From Lyon to Paris, Burgundy and Champagne Tour by ombiasy WineTours, July 02 - Thursday, July 13, 2023

Summary: From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Dinner at Restaurant Le Grand Café des Négociants and Walking Tour in Lyon - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Chermette in Saint-Vérand, Beaujolais, with Martine and Jean-Etienne Chermette - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Château de Jacques, in Romanèche-Thorins, Beaujolais, with Genevieve Bonifacio, Responsable Commerciale - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Château de Pizay in Belleville-en-Beaujolais - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

In the Most Prestigious AOC in the Mâconnais: Pouilly-Fuissé, France

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Ferret in Fuissé, Poully-Fuissé, Mâconnais, with the Outgoing DG/ Winemaker Audrey Braccini and Incoming DG/ Winemaker Clément Robinet - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Domaine Céline & Laurent Tripoz, Mâconnais, with Céline & Laurent Tripoz - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Menand in Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, with Fabienne Menand - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars in Beaune, Bourgogne

Dinner at Restaurant La Table du Square in Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Walk in the Vineyard, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Jessiaume in Santenay, Côte de Beaune, with DG/ Winemaker William Waterkeyn - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Vineyards Walk around Meursault with Karoline Knoth, Author of "Castles and Châteaux in Meursault" - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant L’Agastache in Volnay, with Caroline (Service) and Nunzio Iacono (Kitchen), Michelin and Gault Millau Listed - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour of Château de Rully by Owner Count Raoul de Ternay, with Tasting of Domaine Rully Wines - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Le Relais de Saulx in Beaune, with the Couple Charles Danet, Chef, and Agnès Peyre, Service, 12/ 20 Points Gault Millau - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At Maison Olivier Leflaive in Puligny Montrachet: Vineyard Walk and a Talk with Olivier Leflaive - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at La Table d’Olivier with Icon Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Château de Pommard in Pommard, Côte de Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-George, Côte de Nuits - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch and Wine Tasting with Sommelier Emmanuel Thibout at Restaurant Le Vintage, Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Louis Jadot in Beaune with Thibaud Marquis, US Representative of Louis Jadot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Bus Tour Through the Vineyards of Vosne-Romanée, Côte de Nuits, with Melissa Rion and Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Rion, Vosne-Romanée - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at Domaine Trapet, Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Ancient Cellars and Tasting at Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine and Music at "De Bach à Bacchus Festival de Meursault", with Karoline Knoth - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Hospices de Beaune and its Wines, Guided Tour - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Au Creux de Vougeot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of Château du Clos de Vougeot - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Wine Bars and other Wine Venues in Chablis, France

Dinner at Restaurant Hostellerie des Clos in Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting from Tank, Barrel and Bottle at Domaine Servin in Chablis, with Marc Cameron and François Servin - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour at Fontenay Abbey (Bernard de Clairveau), Montbard - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Champagne– An Introduction, France

French Champagne Houses and German Roots

Champagne Menu du Jour Lunch at Restaurant Chez Bellou in Gyé-sur-Seine, Champagne - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Champagne Jean Josselin in Gyé-sur-Seine, Côte des Bar, Champagne, with Jean Pierre Josselin and Export Manager Sharona Tsubota- From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

An Afternoon at the L'Avenue de Champagne (The Champagne Avenue) in Epernay - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Champagne Maison Gamet in Mardeuil, Vallée de la Marne, with Philippe, Fabienne and Marianne Gamet

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Champagne Alfred Gratien in Èpernay

French/ Thai Fusion Dinner at Restaurant Cook’In in Épernay (Bib Gourmant Michelin), with Chef Guillaume and Uma (Service).

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schnaitmann (VDP) in Fellbach, Württemberg, with Rainer Schnaitmann– Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2023), Germany

The Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 - one of the 5 main wine guides in Germany (along with Vinum, Gault&Millau, Feinschmecker and Falstaff) - was released in November 2023 in Heidelberg.

Postings on schiller-wine

This posting is part of a series of postings with regard to the Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2024:

Germany's 34 Best Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2020
Germany's 29 Best Winemakers - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2019
Germany's 28 Best Winemakers - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2018
Germany's 27 Best Winemakers - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2017
Germany's 28 Best Winemakers - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2016
Germany's Top 27 Winemakers: 5 out of 5 Grapes - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2015
Germany’s 26 Top Winemakers - Eichelmann WeinGuide Deutschland 2014
Germany’s Best Winemakers (5 Stars) - Eichelmann WeinGuide 2013

Picture: Gerhard Eichelmann at the 2012 VDP.Grosses Gewaechs Pre-release Tasting in Wiesbaden, sitting just behind me

AHR

Meyer-Näkel

Pictures: Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Meyer-Näkel in Dernau, Ahr, with Dörte Näkel– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Jean Stodden

Pictures: Tasting with Alexander Stodden, Weingut Jean Stodden, Ahr. See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Jean Stodden, Ahr, with Alexander Stodden - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

BADEN

Bercher

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Martin Bercher at Weingut Bercher (VDP) in Burkheim, Kaiserstuhl, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours Today we explored 

 
Dr. Heger 

c

 

Pictures: Tasting and Weingut Dr. Heger and Christian Schiller and Joachim Heger. See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dr. Heger in Ihringen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Berhard Huber

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Bernhard Huber in Baden, with Yquem Viehauser and Julian Huber – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Franz Keller (Schwarzer Adler)

Pictures: With Friedrich and Fritz sen. Keller, Weingut Franz Keller. See: Weingut Franz Keller in Oberbergen, Kaiserstuhl, Baden: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Fritz Keller– Germany-South Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Picture: Annette Schiller and Fritz Keller at Weingut Franz Keller, October 2019

Michel 

 
Salwey

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Salwey in Oberrotweil, Kaiserstuhl, Baden, with Benno Salwey – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Martin Waßmer

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Pinot Noir Star Producer Weingut Martin Waßmer in Bad Krozingen, Markgräfler Land, Baden - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen 

FRANKEN

Rudolf Fürst

Pictures: Paul Fürst, Annette Schiller, Sebastian Fürst and Christian Schiller at Weingut Rudolf Fürst. See: Tasting and Tour with the Pinot Noir Legend Paul Fürst, Weingut Rudolf Fürst in Bürgstadt, Franken – Germany-East Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Pictures: Winemaker Dinner with Sebastian Fürst, Weingut Fürst, Franken, at Schaumahl, Offenbach/ Frankfurt, 16 Points Gault Millau, Germany

Pictures: Dinner with Sebastian Fürst and Julian Huber. See: Winemaker Dinner with Chef/ King of Spices Ingo Holland and Sebastian Fürst (Weingut Rudolf Fürst, Franken), Julian Huber (Weingut Bernhard Huber, Baden) and Jérôme Legras (Champagne Legras & Haas)

Pictures: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting (from Barrel and from Bottle) at Weingut Rudolf Fürst, Franken, with Sebastian Fürst - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken 

Max Müller I

Luckert – Zehnthof

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Zehnthof Luckert, in Sulzfeld, Franken, with Philipp Luckert - Germany-East Tour 2018 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Art, Culture, History - Berlin, Saale-Unstrut, Sachsen, Württemberg, Franken

Horst Sauer

Pictures: Vinyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Horst Sauer in Eschendorf, Franken, with Horst Sauer - Germany-East Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Rainer Sauer

MOSEL

Clemens Busch

Pictures: At Weingut Clemens Busch with Rita and Clemens Busch. See:Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut Clemens Busch– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Pictures: Annette Schiller, Christian Schiller and Clemens Busch at Panda Gourmet, Washington DC. See: Wine-pairing Dinner with Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch, Mosel, at Panda Gourmet in Washington DC, USA

Picture: Annette and Christian Schiller at the Rieslingfeier 2017 in New York City with Clemens Busch. See: The Annual "Slaughterhouse" Riesling Feast in New York: Rieslingfeier 2017, USA

Pictures: Annette Schiller, Clemens Busch and Christian Schiller in Washington DC, USA in 2014. See: German Star Winemaker Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch in the Mosel Valley, in Washington DC, USA

Picture: Gernot Kollmann, Weingut Immich-Batterieberg, Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, Dominik Sona and Franzi Schmitt, Weingut Koehler-Ruprecht and Clemens Busch, Weingut Clemens Busch, at Bart Vandaele's BToo in Washington DC. See: Post-Rieslingfeier and Pre-Big Glou Dinner with 3 Top Winemakers from Germany at BToo in Washington DC: Clemens Busch, Immich-Batterieberg and Koehler-Ruprecht, USA

Picture: In Seattle, Washington State, in 2013, during the 4th Riesling Rendezvous: Clemens Busch, Christian Schiller and Hermann Wiemer, founder of Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyards in the Finger Lakes Region in New York State. See: The World of Riesling in Seattle - Fourth Riesling Rendezvous in Washington State, USA

Clüsserath-Weiler

Fritz Haag

Pictures: At Weingut Fritz Haag, with Oliver Haag. See: Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential German Riesling and the Northernmost Pinot Noir

Schloss Lieser

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Schloss Lieser in Lieser with Owner/ Winemaker Thomas Haag– Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours 2016

Picture: Thomas Haag, Weingut Schloss Lieser, and Christian Schiller in Mainz. See: Thomas Haag, Weingut Schloss Lieser, Germany’s Winemaker of the Year, Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland 2015

Picture: Annette Schiller, Thomas Haag with his Son (Weingut Schloss Lieser) and Stephen Bitterolf at the 2017 Rieslingfeier in NYC. See: The Annual "Slaughterhouse" Riesling Feast in New York: Rieslingfeier 2017, USA 

Carl Loewen

Pictures: With Christoph Loewen, Weingut Carl Loewen, at the Wedding Party of Stuart Pigott in the Rheingau (Weingut JB Becker, Walluf)

Markus Molitor

Pictures: Tasting with Markus Molitor at Weingut Markus Molitor in Haus Klosterberg, Mosel - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Nahe

Dönnhoff

Pictures: Tasting with Helmut Dönnhoff and Sascha Johannes Schömel at Weingut Dönnhoff (VDP) in Oberhausen, Nahe - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Dönnhoff, Oberhausen, Nahe. with Anne Dönnhoff - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Picture: Annette Schiller, Helmut Dönnhoff and daughter Christina Dönnhoff (Weingut Dönnhoff) and Didier Cuevlier (Chateau Leoville Poyferre) at Weingut Dr. Robert Weil

Pictures: An Afternoon with Riesling Star Winemaker Helmut Doennhoff at Weingut Doennhoff in Oberhausen in the Nahe Valley, Germany

Emrich-Schönleber

Picture: Christian Schiller and Werner Schönleber, Weingut Emrich-Schönleber at the 2013 Riesling Gala at Kloster Eberbach, Germany

Pictures: At Weingut Emrich-Schönleber. See: Tasting at Weingut Emrich-Schönleber in Monzingen, Nahe, with Owner/ Winemaker Frank Schönleber - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours

Schäfer-Fröhlich

Picture: Christian Schiller and Tim Fröhlich in Wiesbaden

Pictures: At Weingut Schäfer-Fröhlich in Bockenau. See: Tasting at Weingut Schäfer-Fröhlich in Bockenau, Nahe - Germany-North Tour 2016 by ombiasy WineTours

Pfalz

Christmann

Pictures: At Weigut A. Christmann - Harvest Time. See: Winery Tour and Wine Tasting at Weingut A. Christmann, with Steffen Christmann– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2014)

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Weingut A. Christmann in Gimmeldingen, Pfalz, with Steffen Christmann– Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Knipser

Picture: Stephan Knipser, Sebastian Fürst and Christian Schiller at the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Award Ceremony. See: Germany’s Best Winemakers and Wines – Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2018 Awards: The Award Ceremony in Mainz, Germany

Pictures: Vineyard Tour and Tasting with Hans Rebholz, Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz (VDP), Pfalz - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Picture: The Table of Hannsjörg Rebholz, Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz, Pfalz, at the Gala Dinner of the Rieslingfeier 2016 in New York City, with Annette Schiller, David Schildknecht and Hannsjörg Rebholz. See: A German Riesling Feast in New York City: Rieslingfeier 2016, USA

Picture: Annette and Christian Schiller with Hansjörg and Birgit Rebholz at Prowein 2015 in Düsseldorf

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz, with Hansjörg Rebholz. See: Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz – Germany-South by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Pictures: In the Cellar of Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz, Siebeldingen, Pfalz, with Hansjörg and Valentin Rebholz. See: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz in Siebeldingen, Pfalz, with Hansjörg and Valentin Rebholz and Sabine Wagner - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours 

Rings

 

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting with Andreas Rings at Weingut Rings (VDP) in Freinsheim, Pfalz - Germany-South and Alsace 2022 by ombiasy WineTours

Pictures: Tasting and Cellar Tour at Weingut Rings in Freinsheim, Pfalz, with Andreas Rings - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours 

Rheingau

Georg Breuer

Picture: Theresa Breuer and Christian Schiller in New York City. See: Schiller’s Favorites at the 2013 Riesling and Co Tasting in New York City, USA

Peter Jakob Kühn

Picture: Christian Schiller and Peter Jakob Kühn in Kiedrich, Rheingau, see: Extraordinary Views of the Rheingau Vineyards - A Spectecular Helicopter Flight over the Rheingau with Rheingau Winemakers, Germany

Picture: Annette Schiller with Peter Jakob Kühn in Berlin

Pictures: Kühn Peter Jakob, Oestrich (Rheingau) - One of the Bio-dynamic Stars in Germany: Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn in Östrich, Winkel– Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Robert Weil, Kiedrich RHEINGAU Hall of Fame

Picture: Christian Schiller and Wilhelm Weil, Weingut Robert Weil, Tasting at Weingut Weil. See: Tasting with Wilhelm Weil the 2010 Weingut Weil Wines in Kiedrich, Germany

Pictures: Christian and Annette Schiller with Wilhelm Weil at Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich

Pictures: Kiedrich: Visit of the Basilica of Saint Valentine and of Weingut Robert Weil - Germany-North Wine Tour by ombiasy (2014)

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich, Rheingau, with Jan Christensen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Rheinhessen

Bischel

Pictures. At Weingut Bischel. See: Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling  

Pictures: Gert Aldinger, Weingut Aldinger, Karl Eugen Erbgraf zu Neipperg, Weingut Des Grafen Neipperg and Annette Schiller See: 2017 VDP Trade Fair Weinbörse - Vintage 2016 - in Mainz: Schiller’s Report

Picture: Ernst Dautel and Christian Schiller at Weingut Dautel

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Dautel (VDP) in Bönnigheim, Württemberg, with Ernst and Christian Dautel - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours

Pictures: Tasting at Weingut Dautel in Württemberg with Christian Dautel - Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Schnaitmann

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schnaitmann (VDP) in Fellbach, Württemberg, with Rainer Schnaitmann– Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2023), Germany

Picture: Christian and Annette Schiller with Wilhelm Weil (Weingut Robert Weil) during the III. International Riesling Symposium. See: The III. International Riesling Symposium (2017) in the Rheingau, Germany

The Falstaff WeinGuide WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 was released in November 2023. The Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland is one of the 5 leading wine guides in Germany, along with the Feinschmecker, Gault & Millau, Vinum and Eichelmann wine guides. 

Picture: Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

The Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 lists and evaluates about 500 wine producers and 4,000 wines. The best of the best are awarded five stars (out of five). Wines are rated according to the 100-point system.  

Postings

This is the first in a series of postings with regard to the Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024.

Germany's 35 Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

Climbers to the 5/5 star Category - Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

Best German Winemakers -  Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

Two 100/ 100 Points Wines (both Noble-sweet) in the Falstaff WeinGuide Deutschland 2024

100/100 Points Wines: Weingut Wirsching, Franken, and Weingut Robert Weil, Rheingau

2 wines - both noble-sweet - received 100/ 100 points.

2022 Weingut Wirschung Iphofen Julius-Echter-Berg Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese

Pictures:Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wirsching (VDP) in Iphofen, Franken, with Dr. Uwe Matheus - Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy

2022 Weingut Robert Weil Kiedrich Gräfenberg Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese

Picture: Christian Schiller and Wilhelm Weil, Weingut Robert Weil, Tasting at Weingut Weil. See: Tasting with Wilhelm Weil the 2010 Weingut Weil Wines in Kiedrich, Germany

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich, Rheingau, with Jan Christensen - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling 

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Summery: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours   

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting Top Virginia Wines in Frankfurt, Germany: Virginia Governor's Cup Case 2017

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Cellar Master Jean Christoph - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

Massive Tasting of Bordeaux 1982 - the Vintage that made Robert Parker a Star, USA/ France

Carl Willner, Christian Schiller and Ken Bensley of the German Wine Society/ Washington DC Chapter (Re-)elected to the National Board, USA, Germany 

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Tasting at the American Wine Society (NoVa Chapter) led by Annette Schiller 

Germany's Weingut Künstler #2 on James Suckling's List of the Top 100 Wines of the World (2022)

"Wein-Oktoberfest" of the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) at the German Embassy in Washington DC, USA 

Christian Schiller: Re-elected to the Board of the "Weinfeder", the Association of German Wine Journalists

The American Wine Society 2023 National Conference was held November 9-11, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency at The Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.  

4 Tastings

Annette Schiller, President of ombiasy WineTours and member of the American Wine Society, led 3 wine tastings at the 2023 National Conference of the American Wine Society: 

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast

Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot (jointly with Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot)

A Journey Through The Loire Valley 

In addition, Annette and I had a table with German wines at the "Showcase of Wine" evening.

Also, during the whole conference, Annette and I had an ombiasy WineTours booth promoting Annette's wine tours to Germany, France and Austria.

American Wine Society 2023 National Conference

Postings on schiller-wine

This is the sixth in a series of postings related to the American Wine Society National Conference 2023 St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA:

Announcement: 56th American Wine Society National Conference, November 9-11, 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, with 3 Presentations by Annette Schiller: (1) Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger (2) Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot (3) A Journey Through The Loire Valley

The 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot, with Annette Schiller

German Wines at the American Wine Society: Tasting Premium German Wines from the Veritable/ USA Portfolio at the Showcase of Wines of the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA with Annette and Christian Schiller

Private Tasting of Premium Wines (mainly Bordeaux and California) at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA with President Bill Stefan 

American Wine Society Merit Award for Joel Peterson, the Godfather of Zinfandel and Founder of Ravenswood Winery - 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

McLean (Virginia) - Springfield (Ohio) - St. Louis (Missouri) - Memphis (Tennessee) - Nashville (Tennessee) - McLean (Virginia): On the Road to and from the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference

An Evening on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll - Going back to Virginia after the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

An Evening in the Honky-Tonks of Nashville, Tennessee - Going back to Virginia after the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

The American Wine Society

The American Wine Society was founded in 1967 as a non-profit, educational, consumer-oriented organization for those interested in learning more about all aspects of wine. On October 7, 1967, around 200 grape growers, home winemakers, and wine lovers gathered at Dr. Konstantin Frank’s vineyard on Keuka Lake near Hammondsport, NY for the AWS’ initial meeting.

In December of the same year, the thirteen charter members, led by Founder Dr. Konstantin Frank, met to determine the organization structure of AWS and elect officers. Now in its 49th year, the American Wine Society is the largest consumer based wine education organization in North America. Membership is open to anyone interested in wine and over 21 years of age.

A Journey Through The Loire Valley 

Presenter: Annette Schiller, Owner, ombiasy PR & Wine Tours 

9:00 am – 10:15 am Sessions E

Abstract: The Loire Valley is the heart of France and its fourth largest wine region. Starting at the Atlantic Ocean, the Loire Valley wine region straddles the Loire River from west to east for 174 miles. With such an expansive area, geography, soil, and climate differ greatly from one place to the other. The Loire Valley contains several distinct wine regions, each with its own characteristic grapes, appellations and wine styles. Most of the wines are produced with a single grape variety. Follow us when we take you on an exciting journey through the different appellations.

Coming up: A Journey Through The Loire Valley by ombiasy WineTours with Annette Schiller

If ever a river and the landscapes surrounding the river shaped France’s national identity and lifestyle, it is certainly the Loire River and the wine regions that border it. 

The Loire Valley is the heart of France and the Loire is the river of the Kings, straddling for 634 miles from almost one side of the country to the other. “Loire” – images of majestic, incredibly beautiful castles lined up as a string of pearls as well as names of iconic historic personalities such as Leonardo da Vinci and Joan of Arc appear in our mind and of course memories of extensive vineyards on the hillside banks of the river, and gorgeous wines. 

The Loire Valley wine region is a vast area and consists of several distinct wine regions, each with its own characteristic grapes, appellations, and wine styles. We take you on a journey from the Atlantic Ocean to the Auvergne mountains to explore this unique region. We travel along the eponymous river, starting in the hip, vibrant university city of Nantes, which was for centuries the seat of the Dukes of Brittany. We move inland towards Angers, the medieval seat of the Plantagenet dynasty – thinking of Richard the Lionheart, the most famous member of the Plantagenets. Here we explore the many facets of the wines of Anjou. The city of Tours, our gateway for visiting famous Loire castles will be the next destination and we learn about wines from Vouvray, Chinon, and many other appellations of the Touraine region. And of course we will visit several of the famous Loire Châteaux as well as some exquisite cultural events. As we move eastward we stop in the small town of Sancerre to enjoy the fantastic Sauvignon-Blanc wines and we end our journey by discovering wines from the Upper Loire valley region, mostly unknown to the wine lovers on this side of the big pond.

Other wine tours in 2024 are:

BORDEAUX (10 days-09 nights): Tuesday, May 21 - Thursday, May 30, 2024 (here I changed the dates from early May to late May since in early May there are too many religious holidays where a lot of Châteaux, businesses, etc. are closed)

GERMANY CLASSIC (10 days-09 nights): Rheingau, Mittelrhein, Air, Mosel, Northern Rheinhessen wine regions: Tuesday, August 27 - Thursday, September 05, 2024

RHÔNE VALLEY (11 days-10 nights): Sunday, October 13 - Wednesday, October 23, 2024

The Session

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State

The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Annette Schiller`s 3 Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey: Sparkling Wines, Austria, Bordeaux

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2018 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in in Buffalo, New York State

The 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, with Annette and Christian Schiller

"Abbey Wines”: The Importance of the Monasteries for the Development of Viticulture - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Burgundy Pinot Noir and German Pinot Noir: Differences and Similarities - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA, led by Annette Schiller

A Journey through the Rhône Valley - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2017 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania

The 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Showcase of Wines at the 2017 National Conference of the American Wine Society: Annette and Christian Schiller Present German/ VDP/ Loosen Bros. USA Wines

A Journey through the Vineyards of Alsace - A Tasting Seminar at the National Conference 2017 of the American Wine Society, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Burgundy: What makes it so Special? - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

German Wines in the 21st Century - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2016 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in California

The 2016 American Wine Society National Conference in California, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

The New Germany: Red, Sparkling and Dry - Tasting at the American Wine Society 2016 National Conference in Los Angeles, USA, led by Annette Schiller

The New Classification of German Wines: The VDP Classification - Annette Schiller Conducting a Seminar at the 2016 National Convention of the American Wine Society in Los Angeles, USA

The Insider’s View of Charles Krug Winery - Peter Mondavi Jr., Co-Proprietor, Charles Krug Winery

Château Climens, Premier Cru Barsac and Savory Dishes…who knew? - Bérénice Lurton, Owner of Château Climens and Tony Lawrence, Global Food & Wine Pairing Specialist

Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, May 28 - Thursday, June 08, 2023. We toured Austria for 12 days, starting and ending in Vienna: Wien, Wagram, Carnuntum, Burgenland, Steiermark, Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental, Wien.

For international wine lovers the Wachau is probably the best known wine region in Niederösterreich, specializing in dry Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. It is a tiny sub wine region and the westernmost wine producing region with only 3% of Austria’s wine production. It is incredibly beautiful. The steep terraced vineyards straddle the Danube river for about 16 kilometres. The Wachau came up with its own classification system for their dry wines: Steinfeder for wines up to 11.5% alc, Federspiel for wines between 11.5-12.5 % alc, and Smaragd for wines with a minimum of 12.5% alc. The Wachau is a UNESCO world heritage site. The Kremstal is sandwiched between the Wachau and the larger Kamptal.

At Weingut F.X. Pichler, we were received by Lucas Pichler. The visit consisted of a cellar tour and a seated tasting in the modern tasting room with a breathtaking view.

Weingut F.X. Pichler wines are widely available in the USA through Peter Weygandt.

Weingut F.X. Pichler, Dürnstein, Wachau, Niederösterreich

This family estate was founded in 1898 in Oberloiben and has since developed a reputation as one of the best Grüner Veltliner and Riesling specialists world-wide. In 1928 Franz Pichler sen. started to diligently study the quality of vineyards and individual vines and started to create his own clones. He wrote down his observations in a small notebook. Then he identified the best vines in each vineyard and choose to grow new vines from these plants for replanting. He continued to do this until 1952 and this Massal selection laid the foundation stone for the extraordinary quality of the F.X. Pichler wines. 

Franz Xaver (FX) took over the estate in 1971 and his son Lucas joined the winery team in 1996, taking over winemaking at the estate in 1999. Since 2009 Lucas Pichler and his wife Johanna, who comes from a winemaker family in Germany’s Rheinhessen wine region, are at the helm of the estate. 

Winery F.X. Pichler has 55 acres of vineyards, most of them in very steep terraces following the Danube river in the most famous sites in Loiben and Dürnstein. Robert Parker once described the estate as follows: ‘the Château Latour, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Zind-Humbercht, of the Wachau’. In September 2022 wine critic James Suckling awarded the F.X. Pichler Riesling, Wachau, Ried Kellerberg 2021 with 100 points.

Icons of Precision: F.X. Pichler Superlative Riesling and Grüner Veltliner from a stellar 2021 Austrian vintage. Lucas Pichler surveys icons in the making. 

This week, we’re returning to Austria’s stellar 2021 vintage and the magical Wachau, this time represented by the inimitable wines of F.X. Pichler. If a thorough understanding of the land is the key to unlocking the secrets of terroir, then Franz Xavier (F.X.) Pichler and his son Lucas have certainly found it. The Pichler family is known around the world for their singular focus on making wines that are precise, authentic interpretations of the region’s varied landscape. The family’s success is based on a fairly straightforward philosophy: move the grapes as little as possible, make no mistakes, avoid fining, and mature the wine according to variety and character. The hallmarks of F.X. Pichler wines have all been heightened by the exceptional 2021 harvest: clean and concentrated flavors and aromas, a densely structured palate, and long aging potential. These are certain to be iconic wines from an already iconic producer, and they are a pleasure to drink from day one. 

The Pichler family estate was founded in 1898, but it was undoubtedly F.X.’s father—also Franz—who set the standard for the family’s drive to produce excellent wines. Starting in 1928, Franz senior diligently recorded his observations on the growth and quality of the estate’s individual vines in a notebook, a practice he continued until 1952. This meticulousness allowed him to take cuttings from the best producing vines—in particular, Grüner Veltliner—to replant in new vineyards, a practice known as selection massale. 

When F.X. took over in 1971, the estate had just a modest three hectares of vines in Dürnstein but was already known as a specialist in Grüner Veltliner. The family’s quality-conscious practices have continued to this day, with the estate producing exceptional wines from 20 hectares of distinctive sites divided equally between Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. 

Around 35 percent of the vines grow on steep, bedrock terraces with dry stone walls that can only be worked by hand. It is here where decades of intuition have been honed to transform these special sites into remarkable wines. 

Special attention is given to employing sustainable approaches. In 2020, the estate’s practices from harvest to bottling were certified sustainable by the Austrian Winegrower’s Association. The family is also in the process of transitioning to organic viticulture and expects to become fully certified from the 2022 vintage. 

Since 2009, the daily management of the estate has been overseen by F.X.’s son Lucas and his wife Johanna, but F.X. and his wife Rudolfine remain actively involved and are frequent presences in the vineyards and the cellar. “We want to make wines that are a true reflection of the year, the soil and the specific microclimate of the Wachau. Every wine should be unique and distinctive,” says F.X. 

Beginning where it all started with Grüner Veltliner, the F.X. Pichler Grüner Veltliner Loibner 2021 is on the lighter end of the textural spectrum but with no loss of distinction. Produced from vineyards comprised of alluvial sand and gravel soils along the Danube River, this wine is elegant in structure and full of bright acidity and aromatic fruit character. 

One of the oldest vineyards in the Wachau, Klostersatz was once cultivated by monks from Bavarian and Salzburg monasteries. It has a remarkably deep soil composition of fine sand and gravel that is ideal for Grüner Veltliner. The F.X. Pichler Grüner Veltliner Loibner Ried Klostersatz 2021 is nimble on the palate with notes of yellow and green apple, yellow tropical fruit, gentle minerality, and the signature Veltliner note of white pepper. A delightful representation of both the variety and the site. 

From predominantly younger, organically farmed and terraced mountain vineyard plots around the village of Dürnstein, the F.X. Pichler Grüner Veltliner Dürnsteiner 2021 is sleek and inviting. Bright notes of meadow grass, green apple, and crushed stone form a textural frame that conveys a lively energy right through to a saline finish. 

Loibenberg is one of the steepest and largest continuous single vineyard sites in the region. The austere bedrock soils capture warmth during the day and radiate heat back into the vineyard at night, resulting in rich, bold, and elegant wines. The F.X. Pichler Grüner Veltliner Ried Loibenberg 2021 is intense, mineral rich, and juicy, throwing grassy and herbal notes that complement a lingering palate of mineral and flint. 

At the very eastern end of the Wachau is Steinertal, a site that starts as a rift and broadens into a south-facing amphitheater. The site capture plenty of sunshine and a nearby forest sends in a nocturnal breeze to cool things down, a slow-growing process that yields flavorful grapes. The F.X. Pichler Grüner Veltliner Ried Steinertal 2021 is elegant and rich with notes of papaya, passion fruit, pineapple, and star fruit, buffeted by smoky stone overtones. Velvety and round on the palate, with fine acidity and a subtle spiciness on the finish. 

Kellerberg is arguably the best single vineyard in the Wachau, with steep inclines, barren bedrock terraces, and an exceptional microclimate. Early morning sunshine facilitates grape ripening and at night, cool air from the surrounding woods help retain aromatic freshness and provide complex texture and finely nuanced minerality. The Grüner Veltliner Ried Kellerberg 2021 is a luscious portrayal of fruit that is deftly dealt with the typical light touch of the estate. Notes of honeydew melon, plums, overripe apricots, mango, passion fruit, flint, and a hint of tobacco leaf. Juicy on the palate but with plenty of finesse and balance. Precise minerality and a lively acidity leans into a very long and spicy finish. 

On the Riesling side of the estate, we return to the deep and gravely soils of Klostersatz, from which the F.X. Pichler Riesling Ried Klostersatz 2021 shows off a fine bouquet of yellow fruit, a hint of stone fruit, and delicate green tobacco spiciness. On the palate, juicy and complex with mineral nuances and a very good lengthy finish. 

From the steep and rocky terraces of Loibenberg, the F.X. Pichler Riesling Ried Loibenberg 2021 is highly complex and subtly lush, with notes of just-ripe stone fruit and mango that are accompanied by flint and wet stone. Precisely balanced on the palate, with taut acidity that’s countered by ripe fruit and mineral freshness. 

Full of racy freshness, the F.X. Pichler Riesling Ried Steinertal 2021 is a pure expression of the comparatively cool Steinertal site: barren and sandy topsoil over a gneiss base. Aromas of lemon, grapefruit, and white peach present a warm welcome. A lively palate is ready with an embrace of citrus fruit, stone fruit, green apple, subtle herbal notes, and echoes of wet stone. 

And from the storied and rocky terraces of Kellerberg, the F.X. Pichler Riesling Smaragd Ried Kellerberg 2021 is a wine of striking character. On the nose, ripe stone fruit, Mirabelle plums, pineapple, flinty wet stone, a hint of blossom honey, and herbal spice. An intricate structure on the palate of ripe fruit, wet stone, flint, subtle spice, and bright acidity. A mineral-driven and lengthy finish reflects the weather-beaten and barren soils and plenty of promise for the future. 

Find more details about these wines below, including tasting notes and pricing. Click on a wine to place an order, or shop the Icons of Precision: F.X. Pichler collection on our website. As always, if you have any questions or would like to place an order with our team, please call 202.362.9463 or email us. 

Cheers, Peter Weygandt & Warren Leonard 

Weygandt Wines

Arriving

Introduction

Cellar Tour

Tasting with a View

Bye-bye

Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - Published and Forthcoming Postings

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Announcement: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023 

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

Wine Producer Austria - Not Only Gruener Veltliner

Summary: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Schiller’s Favorite Spots to Drink Wine in Vienna, Austria

Dinner at an Iconic Beisl in Vienna: Griechenbeisl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour of the Monastery/ Palace Klosterneuburg and of the Weingut Klosterneuburg, with Wine Tasting - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz at Plachutta in der Wollzeile, Vienna. Plachutta is more than a Restaurant: it is a Vienna Institution - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

After Dinner Drinks at Vis-a-Vis Wine Bar, Vienna - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vienna: Viaker City Tour and Tour of Schloss Schönbrunn - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Die Seejungfrau in Jois at Lake Neusiedl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Leo Hillinger, Burgenland, with Jakob Scharner, Diplom-Sommelier - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Netzl, Carnuntum, with Franz, Christine and Christina Netzl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Mole West at Lake Neusiedl- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Anita and Hans Nittnaus, Burgenland, with Anita, Hans and Martin Nittnaus - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Umathum, Burgenland, with Joseph Umathum - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

2 Nights at Schloss Halbturn at Lake Neusiedl: Sekt Reception and two Dinners - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steindorfer, Burgenland, with Ernst and Roland Steindorfer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Light Lunch at Gránátos Étterem at Esterházy Kástely in Fertöd, Hungary: Hungarian Goulash Soup and Esterházy Cake - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At the Liszt House in Raiding, where the Great Pianist, Romantic Composer and Conductor was Born - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Straka, Rechnitz, Burgenland, with Thomas Straka- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

High-end Sleeping and Eating in the Vineyard: Wohnothek am Ratschen and Restaurant am Ratschen (16/ 20 Gault Millau), Deutsch-Schützen - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Wachter-Wiesler, Burgenland, with Julia Wachter - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Weingut Jalits, Burgenland, with Mathias Jalits - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Neumeister, Straden, Vulkanland, Steiermark, with Christoph Neumeister - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner with a View at Weinrefugium Brolli, Steiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Sattlerhof, Steiermark, with Justė Sattler- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wohlmuth, Steiermark, with Maria Wohlmuth - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Brettljause" and Wine at Buschenschank Trummer, Weingut Trummer, with Jürgen Trummer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Polz, Strass, Südsteiermark, with Sommelier Philipp Heidenbauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

"Steierisches Backhendl"-Lunch at Weingut Tement/ Restaurant Magnothek, Südsteiermark- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Gustav Mahler, Sinfonie Nr. 3, at Graz Opera, Steiermark - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

In Eisenstadt, Burgenland: Tour at Haydn House, Lunch at Restaurant Henrici, Tour at Esterhazy Castle - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

At Loisium Wine & Spa Resort Langenlois, Kamptal: Impromptu Steininger Sekt Reception with Eva Steininger and Klaus Wittauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Heurigenhof Bründlmeyer (14.5/20 Points Gault Millau) - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steininger, Kamptal, with Brigitta Steininger - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Jurtschitsch, Kamptal, with Alwin Jurtschitsch - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Austrian Beer and Wiener Schnitzel at Fiakerwirt in Langenlois - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Markus Huber, Traisental, with Markus Huber- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Tegernseerhof, Wachau, with Owner/ Winemaker Martin Mittelbach- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Domäne Wachau, Dürnstein, Wachau- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Nigl with Martin Nigl and Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant Nigl (14/20 Points Gault Millau) with Chef Bertram Nigl, Senftenberg, Kremstal - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Weingut F.X.Pichler, Wachau, with Lucas Pichler - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Weingut Matthias Hager, Kamptal, with Doris Hager

Lunch at Gasthaus Gutmann, Zöbing, Kamptal

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Gobelsburg, Kamptal, with Stefan Tabery

2 Days in Dürnstein, Wachau, at Hotel Richard Löwenherz

Picture: Tasting and Vineyard Visit at Weingut Immich-Batterieberg in Enkirch, Mosel, with Gernot Kollmann - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours 

Master of Wine Anne Krebiehl recently pointed to three revolutions in terms of German wine: "People forget the doldrums of German wine, especially from about 1985 to 1995. If you were cool in Germany then, you didn’t drink German wine. But it has changed this century. It happened with dry Riesling first, then Pinot’, she said, adding about German sparkling wine, ‘and now it’s finally happening with Sekt."

First, dry Riesling, then Pinot Noir and now Sekt.

Stephan Reinhard, who covers Germany for the Wine Advocate (formerly Robert Parker), published a list of 10 premium and ultra-premium German sparklers in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung of November 26, 2023. 

Picture: Stephan Reinhardt at the 2019 VDP Weinbörse in Mainz, Germany. See: Attending the 2019 VDP.Weinbörse - Vintage 2018 - in Mainz - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

Stephan Rheinhard: Die Zeiten sind nicht die besten für Wein und Champagner. Zum Feiern ist uns nicht zumute angesichts von Krisen, Kriegen und Inflation; viele von uns halten das Geld beisammen. Wir müssen aber natürlich dennoch feiern, denn Weihnachten können wir nicht verschieben, und den Jahreswechsel wollen wir nicht vertagen, schließlich soll – muss – im kommenden Jahr alles besser werden. Wird es vermutlich nicht, aber doch: Die Winzer in diesem Land wie auch der Weinfachhandel könnten unsere Feiern gut gebrauchen. Denn die Weinabsätze sind dieses Jahr deutlich rückläufig. Und das zu einer Zeit, in der es so viele gute heimische Sekte gibt wie nie zuvor.

Die Preisangaben für die vorgestellten Weine sind ohne Gewähr. Bei hoher Nachfrage kann es vorkommen, dass manche der Weine vergriffen sind. 

Schaumwein für Weihnachten und Silvester (Frankfurter Allgemein Sonntagszeitung)

 

Weingut Immich-Anker, Mosel, Riesling 1425 Brut Nature Zero Dosage

Typischer Schiefer­riesling; Noten von ­Tropenfrüchten, Jod und Lakritze. Mundfüllend rund und reich, dabei ­elegant und raffiniert, mit erfrischender Mousse und aromatischem, salzigem Finish.

Preis: 15,70 Euro, www.mosel.net

Urteil: Intensiv & fein

 

Preis: 16 Euro, www.weingut-ratzenberger.de/shop

Urteil: Ernste Herrlichkeit

Pictures: Tasting and Vineyard Drive at Weingut Ratzenberger in Bacharach, Mittelrhein, with Jochen Ratzenberger - Germany-North Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours: Quintessential Riesling

 

Griesel & Compagnie Sekthaus Streit, Hess. Bergstraße, 2020 Blanc de Noirs Brut (Magnum)

Eine Flasche reicht selten, wenn gefeiert wird. Darum: Magnum! Assemblage aus Pinot noir und Meunier mit Noten von Brioche und Beeren. Intensiv, aber auch elegant, mit anregendem Finish.

Preis: 39 Euro (1,5 Liter), www.vinocentral.de

Urteil: Jeden Cent wert & mehr

 

Picture: Ultra-premium Sekt: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Griesel&Compagnie, Sekthaus Streit, Bensheim, with Winemaker Rachele Crosara - Germany-South and Alsace 2018 Tour by ombiasy WineTours: Baden, Alsace, Pfalz and Rheinhessen

 

Immich-Batterieberg, Mosel, 2020 Spätburgunder Rosé Brut Nature Jour Fixe

Seriöser, gehaltvoller Sekt mit viel Pinot-noir-Charakter, großer Finesse und Komplexität. Nach zwei Jahren Hefelager vollmundig und reich, dennoch auch raffiniert und im Finish animierend salzig. Passt zur Gans.

Preis: 35 Euro, www.batterieberg.com

Urteil: Rotwein mit Prickel 

Picture: Tasting and Vineyard Visit at Weingut Immich-Batterieberg in Enkirch, Mosel, with Gernot Kollmann - Germany-North Tour 2017 by ombiasy WineTours  

 

Wein- und Sektgut Barth, Rheingau

2015 Pinot Brut Nature Ultra

Kommt nach 72 Monaten auf der Hefe ohne Dosage aus. Reichhaltiges ­Bouquet von Kirschen, Himbeeren, roten Äpfeln und Buttercroissant. Vollmundig, frisch und komplex, mit intensivem ­Abgang.

Preis: 39 Euro, shop.weingut-barth.de

Urteil: Belebt jedes Dinner

 

Picture: Tour and Wine Tasting with Lunch, with Mark Barth at Wein- und Sektgut Barth in Hattenheim, Rheingau – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)

Pictures: Tasting at Sekthaus Raumland in Flörsheim-Dalsheim, Rheinhessen, with Heide-Rose and Volker Raumland - Germany-South and Alsace 2017 Tour by ombiasy WineTours 

schiller-wine: Related Postings 

ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North

Summery: Germany "From Berlin to Frankfurt" 2023 (Saale Unstrut, Sachsen, Franken, Württemberg) by ombiasy WineTours 

Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement- Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours   

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Préhy, Chablis - From Lyon to Paris: Total Immersion in Burgundy and Champagne 2023 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting Top Virginia Wines in Frankfurt, Germany: Virginia Governor's Cup Case 2017

Maison Guigal in Ampuis, Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhône: Cellar Tour, Tasting and Vineyard Tour - Rhône Valley Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours: Wine, Culture and History, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Haut-Bailly, Graves, Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Grand Cru Classé, with Cellar Master Jean Christoph - Bordeaux Tour 2022 by ombiasy WineTours, France

2022 Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in McLean, Virginia, USA 

Massive Tasting of Bordeaux 1982 - the Vintage that made Robert Parker a Star, USA/ France

Carl Willner, Christian Schiller and Ken Bensley of the German Wine Society/ Washington DC Chapter (Re-)elected to the National Board, USA, Germany 

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Tasting at the American Wine Society (NoVa Chapter) led by Annette Schiller 

Germany's Weingut Künstler #2 on James Suckling's List of the Top 100 Wines of the World (2022)

"Wein-Oktoberfest" of the German Wine Society (Washington DC Chapter) at the German Embassy in Washington DC, USA 

Christian Schiller: Re-elected to the Board of the "Weinfeder", the Association of German Wine Journalists

Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Schloss Johannisberg, Rheingau, with Christian Witte, Domaine Director – Germany-North Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

The Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024 was released recently, presenting Vinum's choice of Germany’s best 1,000 wine producers and reviewing more than 10,500 wines on 1,080 pages. 

5 out of 5 stars („world class“) was awarded to 20 estates. There are two new ones on the list: Schloss Johannisberg and Rings. Congratualtions!

In addition, there are 32 estates with 4.5 stars, and 76 estates with 4 stars.

Postings

This posting is the fifth in a series of postings related to the Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024:

Climbers: Weingut Schloss Johannisberg (Rheingau) and Weingut Rings (Pfalz) Join Group of 5/ 5 Stars Winemakers in the Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024

Vinum Weinguide Deutschland 2024 Awards: Dörte + Meike Näkel, Weingut Meyer Näkel (Winemaker of the Year), Andy + Steffen Rings, Weingut Rings (Rising Star of the Year), Martin Prüm, Weingut Martin Prüm (Discovery of the Year)

Best Wines of the Year - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland 2024 

Ahr: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Baden:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Franken: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Hessische Bergstrasse: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Mittelrhein: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Mosel: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Nahe:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Pfalz:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Rheingau: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Rheinhessen:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Saale Unstrut: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Sachsen:  The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Württemberg: The Top Winemakers - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024

Climbers to 5/5 Stars: Weingut Schloss Johannisberg and Weingut Rings

There are now 20 winemakers in the group of 5/5 stars in the Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024. See: Germany's 20 Top Winemakers (With 5/5 Stars) - Vinum WeinGuide Deutschland/ Germany 2024 

Two of them are new in the group, Weingut Schloss Johannisberg and Weingut Rings.